If you live in Nebraska and need help buying food, the Nebraska Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can provide monthly benefits to eligible households.
Use our Nebraska SNAP calculator to estimate your potential benefits before applying.
Page Contents
- 1 What Changed in October 2025
- 2 Nebraska SNAP Income Limits for 2026
- 3 Special Rules for Seniors and People with Disabilities
- 4 Other SNAP Eligibility Requirements in Nebraska
- 5 How to Apply for Nebraska SNAP
- 6 Frequently Asked Questions
- 6.1 Q: What’s the maximum income for food stamps in Nebraska for 2026?
- 6.2 Q: Do seniors have to meet both income tests?
- 6.3 Q: How much can a single person make and still get SNAP in 2025?
- 6.4 Q: Can college students get SNAP?
- 6.5 Q: What can I buy with SNAP benefits?
- 6.6 Q: How much will I receive in benefits?
- 7 Emergency/Expedited SNAP
- 8 Recertification
- 9 Getting Help
- 10 Conclusion
What Changed in October 2025
The federal government updates SNAP benefits every October 1st to reflect changes in the cost of living. Here are the key changes that took effect in October 2025 and will remain in place through September 2026:
Maximum SNAP Benefit Increases
The maximum monthly benefits increased for all household sizes in October 2025. This year, the maximum benefits were increased by $19 for a household of four:
| Household Size | Previous Amount (Sept 2025) | New Amount (Oct 2025-Sept 2026) | Monthly Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $292 | $298 | +$6 |
| 2 people | $536 | $546 | +$10 |
| 3 people | $768 | $785 | +$17 |
| 4 people | $975 | $994 | +$19 |
| 5 people | $1,158 | $1,183 | +$25 |
| 6 people | $1,390 | $1,421 | +$31 |
| 7 people | $1,536 | $1,571 | +$35 |
| Each additional person | +$220 | +$218 | -$2 |
Income Limit Increases
Gross monthly income limits also increased to reflect updated federal poverty guidelines:
| Household Size | Previous Limit (Sept 2025) | New Limit (Oct 2025-Sept 2026) | Monthly Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $2,070 | $2,151 | +$81 |
| 2 people | $2,811 | $2,908 | +$97 |
| 3 people | $3,550 | $3,664 | +$114 |
| 4 people | $4,290 | $4,420 | +$130 |
| 5 people | $5,030 | $5,177 | +$147 |
| 6 people | $5,770 | $5,933 | +$163 |
| 7 people | $6,509 | $6,689 | +$180 |
| Each additional person | +$740 | +$755 | +$15 |
Nebraska SNAP Income Limits for 2026
For October 2025 through September 2026, income limits are based on the federal poverty level (FPL). Most households must meet both income tests to qualify:
| Household Size | 165% FPL Monthly Gross Income | 100% FPL Monthly Net Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,151 | $1,304 |
| 2 | $2,908 | $1,763 |
| 3 | $3,664 | $2,221 |
| 4 | $4,420 | $2,680 |
| 5 | $5,177 | $3,139 |
| 6 | $5,933 | $3,596 |
| 7 | $6,689 | $4,056 |
| 8 | $7,444 | $4,514 |
| Each additional | +$755 | +$458 |
Important Income Definitions:
- Gross income = total income before any deductions
- Net income = income after allowable deductions (rent, utilities, dependent care, etc.)
Special Rules for Seniors and People with Disabilities
Households with someone age 60 or older or with a disability get special treatment:
- They only need to meet the net income test (100% FPL)
- They don’t have to meet the gross income limit
- Higher resource limits apply ($4,500 instead of $3,000)
Other SNAP Eligibility Requirements in Nebraska
Resource Limits
- $3,000 for most households
- $4,500 if someone in the household is 60+ or has a disability
- Resources include cash, bank accounts, and certain property (your home and one vehicle typically don’t count)
Work Requirements
- Adults aged 18-52 without dependents may need to work or participate in training programs
- Limited to 3 months of benefits in a 36-month period if not meeting work requirements
- Some areas may have waivers from these requirements
Immigration Status
- U.S. citizens are eligible
- Qualified non-citizens may be eligible (refugees, asylees, lawful permanent residents, etc.)
- Some immigrants face waiting periods or restrictions
Allowable Deductions
Nebraska SNAP allows these deductions from gross income:
- Standard deduction: $198 for households 1-3 people, $241 for households 4+ people
- 20% earned income deduction
- Shelter costs exceeding half your income (rent, mortgage, utilities)
- Dependent care costs for work or training
- Medical expenses for elderly/disabled members over $35/month
- Child support payments
How to Apply for Nebraska SNAP
Application Methods
- Online: Apply through ACCESSNebraska
- Phone: Call (800) 383-4278
- In person: Visit your local Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) office
- Mail: Download and mail application forms
Required Documents
Be prepared to provide:
- Photo identification
- Social Security cards for all household members
- Pay stubs or employment verification
- Bank statements
- Rent receipts or mortgage statements
- Utility bills
- Immigration documents (if applicable)
Application Process
- Submit your application
- Complete an interview (by phone or in person)
- Provide required documents
- Receive a decision within 30 days (7 days for expedited cases)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the maximum income for food stamps in Nebraska for 2026?
A: For a family of 4, the gross monthly income limit is $4,420, and the net monthly income limit is $2,680.
Q: Do seniors have to meet both income tests?
A: No. Households with someone age 60+ or with a disability only need to meet the net income test ($1,304 for 1 person, $2,680 for 4 people, etc.).
Q: How much can a single person make and still get SNAP in 2025?
A: A single person can have up to $2,151 in gross monthly income or $1,304 in net monthly income to qualify.
Q: Can college students get SNAP?
A: Generally no, unless they meet specific exemptions (work 20+ hours/week, care for a child, receive certain benefits, etc.).
Q: What can I buy with SNAP benefits?
A: Most food items, including fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, cereals, and non-alcoholic beverages. You cannot buy alcohol, tobacco, hot prepared foods, or non-food items.
Q: How much will I receive in benefits?
A: Benefit amounts depend on your household size, income, and expenses. The maximum amounts for 2026 range from $298 for 1 person to $1,571 for 7 people
Emergency/Expedited SNAP
If you have very low income and resources, you may qualify for expedited SNAP benefits within 7 days:
- Gross monthly income under $100 with resources under $25, OR
- Monthly income and resources combined are less than rent/mortgage plus utilities
Recertification
SNAP benefits are not permanent. You’ll need to recertify:
- Most households: every 12 months
- Households with elderly/disabled members: every 24 months
- You’ll receive a notice before your benefits expire
Getting Help
Nebraska DHHS Offices
Find your local office at dhhs.ne.gov or call the statewide number: (800) 383-4278
Legal Aid
If you’re denied benefits or have problems with your case, contact:
- Legal Aid of Nebraska: (877) 250-2016
- Nebraska Appleseed: (402) 438-8853
Conclusion
The Nebraska SNAP program for 2026 provides crucial food assistance to eligible households. With recent increases in both benefit amounts and income limits, more families may now qualify for help.
Key takeaways:
- Maximum benefits increased significantly in October 2025 (up to $35 more per month for larger households)
- Income limits increased to reflect cost of living changes
- Seniors and people with disabilities have easier qualification rules
- Apply online through ACCESSNebraska for fastest processing
Ready to apply? Visit ACCESSNebraska or use a SNAP eligibility calculator to see if you may qualify before applying.
This information is current as of the October 2025 SNAP updates and applies through September 2026. Always check with Nebraska DHHS for the most current information, as rules and amounts can change.
