Special SNAP Services in Nebraska

Nebraska offers special SNAP services for residents facing specific hardships, such as natural disasters or temporary unemployment. These programs provide targeted support, including disaster relief and employment training opportunities.

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)

D-SNAP provides short-term food assistance after a major disaster. It helps households that lost food or income due to events like floods or tornadoes, supplementing or temporarily replacing regular SNAP benefits.

Eligibility is for those who live or work in a federally declared disaster area and have disaster-related expenses. If these costs drop your resources below the program limit, you may qualify. Current SNAP recipients can also receive supplemental aid.

To apply, visit a designated local site in person when the state announces the program. You must apply during the short application window, typically 5-7 days. Bring identification and proof of address.

Replacement SNAP Benefits for Food Loss

This service allows current SNAP or Summer-EBT households to replace benefits used to buy food that was later destroyed. Qualifying events include fires, floods, or power outages lasting at least four hours.

Any household receiving SNAP or Summer-EBT that lost food purchased with those benefits is eligible. The loss must be reported within 10 days of the event or power restoration to qualify for replacement benefits.

To apply, report the loss by calling the iServe Nebraska Economic Assistance Hotline at 800-383-4278 or visiting a DHHS office. You can also submit the Replacement Request Form. Once verified, funds are added to your EBT card.

Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT)

Summer EBT helps low-income families buy groceries for their children when school is out for the summer. The program issues a one-time benefit on an EBT card for each eligible child.

Children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals are eligible. This also includes children in households receiving SNAP, TANF/ADC, FDPIR, or certain income-based Medicaid programs. More details are in the program's FAQ.

Most eligible children are enrolled automatically. If not, families can complete an online application, typically between May and August. Benefits are loaded onto an existing EBT card or a new one is mailed.

SNAP Next Step Employment & Training (E&T)

The SNAP Next Step program helps working-age SNAP recipients gain skills and training to find better employment. The goal is to reduce long-term reliance on public assistance through workforce development and support services.

To be eligible, you must receive SNAP, have a work-eligible adult in the household, and not be enrolled in the ADC/Employment First program. Participation is voluntary and available in counties where the program operates.

You can apply by submitting an online interest form or contacting your local DHHS office. A coordinator will then enroll you in services like job search assistance, short-term training, or help with transportation costs.

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Nebraska

Once you are approved for SNAP benefits, you need to understand how to use them, including what you can buy and where.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

An Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card is how you receive and spend your SNAP benefits. It functions much like a debit card. The state government loads your monthly food assistance funds directly onto this card.

You use the EBT card at authorized stores by swiping it at the checkout counter and entering a Personal Identification Number (PIN). The purchase amount is then deducted from your SNAP account balance, just like a debit card transaction.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

Your SNAP benefits are intended for purchasing staple food items for your household. This includes most groceries that you would buy to prepare meals at home, helping you and your family maintain a healthy diet.

• Fruits and vegetables

• Meat, poultry, and fish

• Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt

• Breads and cereals

• Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages

• Seeds and plants that produce food for the household

However, there are specific restrictions on what you can buy. SNAP benefits cannot be used for non-food items or certain prepared foods. You should separate these items from your eligible groceries during checkout to avoid payment issues.

• Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco

• Vitamins, medicines, and supplements

• Live animals (exceptions apply for shellfish and others)

• Hot foods sold ready-to-eat

• Non-food items like pet food, cleaning supplies, and cosmetics

Where Can You Use Your EBT Card?

You can use your EBT card at most major grocery stores and supermarkets in Nebraska. Many smaller convenience stores and corner shops also accept SNAP. Look for signs at the entrance or checkout indicating EBT is an accepted payment method.

Many farmers’ markets participate, letting you buy fresh, local produce. Nebraska also allows online grocery purchases with your EBT card from approved retailers like Amazon and Walmart, offering more convenience for shopping from home.

Download Benny for Free and Earn Cash Back on EBT

You can stretch your grocery budget with the Benny app by earning cash back at stores you likely already visit, including Target, Walmart, and Dollar Tree. The app also provides rewards for using services like Uber and Lyft, helping you save money on everyday expenses.

Download Benny for free. Connect your EBT card and earn cashback as you shop.