How to Apply: Nebraska Child Care Subsidy Program

A "how to" guide to help you navigate the application process for the Nebraska Child Care Subsidy Program.

What is the Nebraska Child Care Subsidy Program?

The Nebraska Child Care Subsidy Program helps families pay for child care so parents can work, go to school, or participate in job training programs. This program provides financial help to families earning up to 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $4,000 per month for a family of four). The program may cover the full cost of child care, or families might pay a small monthly fee directly to their child care provider while the state pays the rest.

How do I apply for the Nebraska Child Care Subsidy Program?

There is 1 main way to apply:

1. Apply Online through iServe Nebraska:This is a convenient way for Nebraskans to apply for help with child care and other essential needs. You can apply for child care subsidy alone or combine it with other benefits

After applying online, you must complete a phone interview with DHHS to finish your application.

You can also get help by:

• Calling iServe for questions about your eligibility
• Calling ACCESSNebraska:1-800-383-4278 (toll-free) or 402-323-3900 (Lincoln area)
• Using the "Do I qualify?" tool: Check iserve.nebraska.gov to see if you might be eligible

How long does it take to receive funds from the Nebraska Child Care Subsidy Program?

After you submit your complete application and finish your phone interview, DHHS will review your information and make a decision. The exact timeline varies, but the state works to process applications as quickly as possible. Once approved, DHHS pays your child care provider directly, and you only pay your monthly fee (if any) to the provider. You don't receive cash - the program pays your child care costs directly.

What do the application steps look like?

Step 1: Use the "Do I qualify?" tool at iserve.nebraska.govto check if you might be eligible

Step 2: Gather all required documents (see documentation section below)

Step 3: Apply online at iserve.nebraska.gov

Step 4: Complete the required phone interview with DHHS

Step 5: Wait for DHHS to review your application and make a decision

Step 6: If approved, choose an approved child care provider

Step 7: If your provider isn't already approved, call ACCESSNebraska to start a referral for provider approval (this can take up to 6 weeks)

Step 8: Start using child care and pay your monthly fee (if any) directly to your provider

What documentation is required when I fill out my application?

Child's Information (required for all applications)

• Birth certificate
• Social Security card
• Immunization records
• Medical records (if child has special needs and is over 12)

Parent/Guardian Information (required for all applications)

• Social Security cards for all adults in household
• Driver's license or state ID
• Immigration documents (if applicable)

Income Verification (provide what applies to your family)

• Recent pay stubs from all jobs
• Tax returns (most recent year)
• W-2 forms
• Self-employment records
• Unemployment insurance statements
• Social Security payments
• Child support documentation
• Any other unearned income documentation

Work/School/Training Verification (provide what applies to your situation)

• Work schedule and employer contact information (only if working)
• School enrollment verification and class schedule (only if attending school)
• Job training program documentation (only if in training)
• Documentation of job search activities (only if looking for work)
• Medical documentation (only if incapacitated and verified by physician)

Housing Verification (required for all applications)

• Lease agreement or mortgage statement
• Utility bills with current address

Special Circumstances (only if applicable)

• Child support cooperation documentation
• TANF (Temporary Assistance) records
• Foster care documentation
• Court orders or legal guardianship papers

Common FAQ's

1. How much will I have to pay? Some families may pay nothing if they qualify for full coverage. Others pay a monthly fee based on their income that goes directly to their child care provider. DHHS pays the rest of the child care costs.

2. What work requirements do I need to meet? Single parents must be working, going to school, in job training, looking for work, or medically incapacitated. For two-parent families, BOTH parents must be doing one of these activities at the same time.

3. What ages of children can get help? Children age 12 and younger qualify. If a child turns 13 during their authorization, care can continue through the rest of that period. Children up to age 19 can get help if they have special needs.

4. What types of child care can I use? Licensed child care centers, licensed family child care homes, approved relative providers, and approved non-relative providers. You can even use a friend or family member if they get approved by DHHS.

5. What if my provider isn't approved yet? Call ACCESSNebraska and give them your provider's information. They'll start a referral for approval, which can take up to 6 weeks. Payments start once the provider is approved, but won't be backdated.

Who do I contact about my application status?

For Eligibility Questions:

iServe NebraskaWebsite:iServe.nebraska.gov"Do I qualify?" tool:Benefit Discovery

For Application Help:

ACCESSNebraska

Phone:1-800-383-4278 (toll-free)

Local Lincoln:402-323-3900

Website:AccessNebraska.ne.gov

For Program Questions:

Nebraska Department of Health & Human ServicesChild Care Subsidy Office

Phone:402-471-9325

Address: Nebraska DHHS Child Care Subsidy Office P.O. Box 95026 Lincoln, NE 68509-5044

For Child Support Questions:

Nebraska Child Support Customer Service

Phone:1-877-631-9973 (Option 2: Customer Service Call Center)

Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM TTY:1-402-471-9572 (for hearing impaired)

General DHHS Information:

Website:DHHS.ne.gov

Last updated July 14, 2025