SNAP and food help for older adults in Nebraska

In short: If you are 60 or older in Nebraska, you can get SNAP food benefits with a higher savings limit than younger people, and you may also get a free monthly box of food through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) if your income is at or below 130% of the poverty level. Apply for SNAP at iserve.nebraska.gov or 1-800-383-4278. For a food box, call the local agency for your county listed below.

SNAP for people 60 and over

SNAP gives you money each month on an EBT card to buy food at stores. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) runs it.

Rule (from October 1, 2026) One person Two people
Net income limit (after deductions) $1,330 a month $1,804 a month
Savings limit, household with someone 60+ or disabled $4,750 $4,750
Savings limit, other households $3,000 $3,000
Most you can get $306 a month

What helps older adults

  • Higher savings limit. If anyone in your home is 60 or older or disabled, you can have up to $4,750 in countable savings.
  • Senior meals. If you are over 60, you and your spouse may be able to use SNAP to pay for meals at some senior meal sites.
  • Rules changed in 2026. New federal law changed SNAP in May 2026. DHHS now asks for more proof of who lives with you, citizenship, shelter costs and utility costs. Keep your rent, mortgage and utility bills handy.

How to apply for SNAP

  1. Apply online at iserve.nebraska.gov, or go to a DHHS office.
  2. You can also call ACCESSNebraska at 1-800-383-4278 for help.
  3. Your Notice of Eligibility will tell you how long you are approved for and what changes you must report.

After you apply

  • Report changes as your notice tells you. You can report online at ACCESSNebraska.
  • Appeals: You can ask for a fair hearing within 90 days of a decision. For SNAP you can ask by phone or in person, not only in writing. If you ask within 10 days of the notice, you can usually keep your benefits while you wait.
  • Scam warning: Scammers have faked the SNAP information line, 1-800-221-5689. Never give your card number or personal details to someone who calls you.

Free monthly food box (CSFP)

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program gives free USDA foods to people 60 and older with low income. Most foods do not need a refrigerator until opened (cheese does). Local staff can help you learn how to use the foods.

Who qualifies

  • You are 60 or older.
  • Your household income is at or below 130% of the federal poverty level.
  • You live in the county the agency serves.

You can get CSFP at only one site at a time. You are approved for up to three years, with a short check-in each year.

What to bring

  • Proof of income, such as a Social Security letter or bank statement.
  • A birth certificate or other proof of age.
  • Proof of where you live: a utility bill or a letter postmarked in the last 30 days.
  • Proof of lawful immigration status, if you are not a U.S. citizen.

Where to apply

Call the agency for your county:

  • Blue Valley Community Action Partnership (York; Butler, Fillmore, Gage, Jefferson, Polk, Saline, Seward, Thayer, York): 402-587-0529
  • Central Nebraska Community Action Partnership (Loup City; Hall, Platte, Custer, Holt and other central counties): 308-745-0780
  • Northeast Nebraska Community Action Partnership (Pender; Dakota, Dodge, Madison, Washington and other northeast counties): 402-385-6300
  • Eastern Nebraska Community Action Partnership (Omaha; Cass, Douglas, Sarpy): 402-453-5656
  • Food Bank of Lincoln (Lancaster, Otoe, Saunders): 402-466-8170
  • Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska (Kearney; Adams, Buffalo, Dawson, Lincoln and other south-central and southwest counties): 308-865-5683
  • Community Action Partnership of Western Nebraska (Gering; Banner, Cheyenne, Deuel, Garden, Kimball, Morrill, Scotts Bluff): 308-633-3198 or 308-635-3089
  • Western Community Health Resources (Chadron; Box Butte, west Cherry, Dawes, Sheridan, Sioux): 308-432-8979
  • Southeast Nebraska Community Action Partnership (Humboldt; Johnson, Nemaha, Pawnee, Richardson): 402-862-2411

State CSFP office: [email protected], or DHHS at 402-471-3121.

Picking up your food

Food is given out monthly or every two months. If you cannot get there, you can name a proxy to pick up your box. Agencies try to serve homebound seniors and may work with your Area Agency on Aging or Meals on Wheels to certify and deliver.

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

This program helps low-income seniors buy fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and raw honey from local farmers markets and roadside stands. Under federal rules you must be 60 or older with household income at or below 185% of the poverty level. To sign up, contact your local Area Agency on Aging. Program questions: Nebraska Department of Agriculture, 402-471-4876 or [email protected].

Senior meals

Your Area Agency on Aging can help you find senior meal sites and home-delivered meals. If you are on the Aged and Disabled Medicaid Waiver, home-delivered meals can be part of your care plan.

Things people miss

  • The savings limit for SNAP is higher when someone in your home is 60 or older or disabled. Do not assume your savings rule you out.
  • If you are homebound, you can still get a CSFP box by naming a proxy to pick it up.
  • Bring every paper on the CSFP list to your first visit to avoid a second trip.

Free help

  • Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC): 1-844-843-6364, to find meals and food help near you.
  • ACCESSNebraska: 1-800-383-4278.

See all benefits in Nebraska.

Phone numbers: Free help lines for Nebraska agencies

Check what you may qualify for

Sources

Page last reviewed: 2026-10-18