The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) began implementing new federal eligibility requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) on Monday, October 20.
The federally mandated changes take effect immediately for new applicants, while current recipients will see updates during their next recertification or household change. DHHS says it is awaiting additional guidance from federal officials due to the ongoing government shutdown and will update the public as more details become available.
“These are required federal changes, and DHHS will work to implement them as smoothly as possible,” the department said.
Key Changes Include:
Expanded Work Requirements
- The Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) rule now applies to those ages 18 to 64, up from the previous 18-to-54 age range.
- Parents must now meet the work requirement once their youngest child turns 14, rather than 18.
- Veterans, homeless individuals, and former foster youth who aged out of care are no longer exempt.
- Native American individuals eligible for Indian Health Services are now exempt from work requirements.
Changes to Energy Assistance and Utility Allowances
- Households receiving Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) payments must now include at least one elderly or disabled member to automatically receive the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA).
- Those no longer eligible for SUA may qualify for a different utility allowance based on actual expenses.
Changes to Eligibility for Noncitizens
- Eligibility is now limited to those who are U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, Cuban or Haitian entrants, or individuals allowed to live and work under the Compacts of Free Association (COFA).
- Refugees, asylum seekers, and others not listed are no longer eligible for SNAP benefits.
DHHS encourages those who lose eligibility to seek other forms of help through Nebraska 211, a statewide resource directory. Residents can call 211 or visit uwm211.org/nebraska-programs for referrals to local services such as food assistance, housing, and community programs.
Additional details and an FAQ on the new SNAP requirements are available at dhhs.ne.gov/SNAP.