Nebraska’s Child Care Subsidy can help pay for daycare while you work, go to school, attend training, or look for a job.
To qualify, you must meet income and household rules. You may need to pay part of the cost, called a copay, based on your income.
You can apply online through ACCESSNebraska, by phone, by mail, or at a DHHS office. Be ready to provide proof of your income, identity, and work, school, training, or job search.
Your child’s daycare provider must be approved for the program. Continue for information about income limits, copays, approved providers, and renewing your benefits.
Key Takeaways
- Nebraska’s Child Care Subsidy can help families pay for child care while they work, go to school, train for a job, or look for work.
- To qualify, your family must meet rules about income, family size, child care needs, Nebraska residency, and citizenship or eligible immigration status.
- Income is usually counted before taxes. Check with Nebraska DHHS for the current income limits before you apply.
- You can apply online through ACCESSNebraska, by phone, by mail, or at a DHHS office. Be ready to provide proof of income, identity, where you live, and your work or school schedule.
- If approved, you can choose a participating child care provider. You may need to pay part of the cost, called a copayment. Report important changes in your household, income, or schedule as soon as possible.
Who Qualifies for Nebraska Child Care Subsidy?
You may qualify for Nebraska’s Child Care Subsidy program if you meet the income rules and need child care so you can work, go to school, take approved training, or look for a job.
In most cases, you must be caring for a child who needs care. You must also meet rules about your household, citizenship or eligible immigration status, and child support cooperation when required.
Nebraska will review your situation to decide if you qualify. You may need to provide documents and report important changes quickly.
Before choosing a child care provider, ask about openings, hours, schedules, and enrollment requirements.
What Are Nebraska Subsidy Income Limits?
Nebraska Child Care Subsidy eligibility depends on your household income, family size, and why you need child care. The state looks at your gross income, which is your income before taxes and other deductions.
Income limits can change, so check the current Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services guidelines before you apply. In general, bigger households can earn more and still qualify than smaller households.
The state may count income from wages, self-employment, child support, and other sources. If your income is over the limit, ask whether recent changes in income, household size, or allowed deductions could affect your eligibility.
What Does Nebraska Child Care Subsidy Cover?
Nebraska’s Child Care Subsidy can help pay for child care while you work, go to school, attend approved training, or meet other program requirements.
You may be able to use the subsidy at approved child care centers, family child care homes, and some providers who don’t need a license. The provider must be approved for the program.
The subsidy may pay all or part of the cost of authorized child care. Depending on your household income, you may need to pay a copayment.
The subsidy usually doesn’t pay for costs outside of approved child care, such as late fees, optional activities, transportation, or other extra charges.
What Documents Do You Need to Apply?
Before you apply for Nebraska Child Care Subsidy, gather your documents to help avoid delays.
You may need:
- Photo ID or other proof of identity
- Proof that you live in Nebraska, such as a lease or utility bill
- Proof of income, such as recent pay stubs, an employer letter, benefit letters, or self-employment records
- Proof of each child’s age or relationship to you, such as a birth certificate
- School or job training schedules and enrollment records, if you attend school or training
- Proof of child support you receive or pay
- Information about housing costs and medical expenses
- Bank statements, if requested
Having these records ready can help the agency make an accurate decision about your eligibility and any amount you may need to pay toward child care.
How Do You Apply for Nebraska Daycare Assistance?
To apply for Nebraska daycare assistance, submit a Child Care Subsidy application through ACCESSNebraska. You can apply online, by phone, by mail, or at a local Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) office.
If you apply online, you can create an account to fill out the application, upload documents, and check for notices. Be sure to answer all questions honestly and completely. You’ll need to provide information about your household, income, job or school schedule, and child care needs.
DHHS will review your application to see if you qualify. If they ask for more documents or an interview, respond as soon as possible. Keep copies of your application and any documents you send.
If you’re approved, you can look for a child care provider and report any changes to your income, household, work, school, or child care needs.
How Do You Find a Subsidy-Accepting Provider?
How Do You Find a Provider That Accepts Subsidies?
After DHHS approves your child care subsidy, you can choose a child care provider that accepts Nebraska’s Child Care Subsidy program.
To find a provider:
- Search Nebraska DHHS provider listings.
- Contact local child care referral agencies.
- Call child care programs in your area.
When you call, ask:
- Do you accept Nebraska child care subsidies?
- Do you have an opening for my child?
- What ages do you serve?
- What’re your hours and days of care?
You may also want to visit providers before choosing one. During your visit, ask about safety, daily schedules, meals, transportation, and program routines.
Let your DHHS caseworker know when you choose a provider. Contact your caseworker if you need help finding child care.
How Much Might You Pay for Child Care?
How Much Might You Pay for Child Care?
What you pay for child care depends on:
- Your household income and family size
- The type of care you choose
- How many hours of care your child needs
- The provider and community where you live
Nebraska child care assistance may help lower your costs. You may still need to pay a copayment based on your family’s situation.
Keep in mind:
- Care for infants and toddlers often costs more than care for older children.
- Full-time care usually costs more than part-time care.
- Child care centers and home-based providers may charge different rates.
Ask providers that accept child care assistance about their rates, enrollment fees, and any costs that assistance doesn’t cover. This can help you compare providers and plan your budget.
How Do You Renew or Report Changes?
How Do You Renew or Report Changes?
To keep your Nebraska child care assistance, renew your benefits when the state asks you to. Report changes that may affect whether you qualify or how much you pay for child care.
Watch for renewal notices in the mail, by email, or in your online account. Send in any requested documents as soon as you can so your benefits are not delayed or closed.
| Change | When to report it | What you may need to provide |
|---|---|---|
| Your income changes | As soon as possible | Recent pay stubs or other proof of income |
| Someone moves into or out of your home | As soon as possible | Details about the household change |
| Your child care schedule changes | As soon as possible | Your provider’s new hours or schedule |
To report a change, contact your Nebraska DHHS worker or use an approved online portal. Keep copies of any forms you submit and save confirmation numbers.
If you are not sure whether a change needs to be reported, report it anyway and ask DHHS for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Grandparents Receive Payment for Providing Child Care?
Yes. In some areas, grandparents can be paid to provide child care.
To qualify, you may need to:
- Meet the program’s eligibility rules
- Pass a background check
- Get approved as a child care provider
- Enroll with the local child care assistance program
Rules and payment amounts vary by location. Contact your local child care agency to ask whether grandparents can be paid and what steps you need to take.
Are There Waiting Lists for Nebraska Daycare Assistance?
Yes. Nebraska daycare assistance may have a waiting list when funding or program space is limited. Apply as soon as you can, ask your local office how long the wait may be, and find out whether some families get priority. You can also ask about other child-care help while you wait.
Does Assistance Cover Child Care During School Breaks?
Yes. You can usually use child care assistance during summer break, holiday closures, and other school breaks if you are still eligible.
Check with your caseworker or child care provider to confirm your approved hours and whether you need to report any changes.
Can Military Families Receive Special Child Care Support?
Yes. Military families may qualify for special child care support through installation programs, approved providers, and subsidy options. Check with your local military child care office to see what help is available for your family.
What Happens if My Child’s Provider Closes Unexpectedly?
If your child’s provider closes without notice, contact your caseworker right away. They can help you find temporary child care, explain how to switch to a new approved provider, and tell you whether your subsidy can be transferred.
Conclusion
Nebraska child care assistance may help make daycare more affordable if you work, go to school, or have another approved need. You do not have to have no income to qualify. Many working families may be eligible based on their household size and income.
To apply, gather your documents and submit an application through ACCESSNebraska. If approved, choose a child care provider that accepts the program.
Report changes in your income, job, school schedule, or household as soon as possible. Reporting changes quickly can help protect your benefits and prevent unexpected child care costs.