Rent Assistance in Nebraska

Last checked: November 2026. Benefits Explorer is a directory. We do not provide rent money or decide who gets help, and each program makes its own decisions.

The Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA) says the Nebraska Emergency Rental Assistance program has closed and all funds have been distributed. Lincoln's own program, which ran through the LPAC portal, closed in June 2025 as well. We found no statewide rent program taking its place.

That leaves nine regional Community Action agencies and local charities. Lincoln has the clearest route, a one-time emergency program run by its Community Action partnership. In Omaha, we could confirm the agency to call, ENCAP, but not the details of any current rent program.

Where to Start in Nebraska

Community Action of Nebraska

The statewide association for Nebraska's nine Community Action agencies, which list housing support among their services. Regional offices include Kearney at 308-865-5675, Gering at 308-635-3089, Pender at 402-385-6300, Chadron at 308-432-3393, Humboldt at 402-862-2411, Fairbury at 402-729-2278 and Loup City at 308-745-0780. Ask your nearest office what it can pay for now.

Visit website · Phone: 402-471-3714 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

NIFA renter resources

NIFA no longer pays rent directly. It points renters to Nebraska Findhelp, a free ZIP code search for rental housing, financial aid and other services that requires no sign-up. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visit website · Phone: 402-434-3900 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Local Rent Help in Nebraska

Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties (Lincoln, Lancaster County and Saunders County)

One-time financial help with past-due rent, deposits and utility bills, paired with case management and budgeting. You apply by phone: call, follow the prompts for your area, and leave a message for a call back. Saunders and rural Lancaster residents use 402-277-7330. The page gives no dollar limits.

Visit website · Phone: 402-471-4515 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

City of Lincoln housing and utility help list (Lincoln)

Since its rental program ended, the city lists remaining options, including case managers at Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach and Family Service Lincoln, plus St. Vincent de Paul, Catholic Social Services and the Salvation Army for rent help. The city describes the Salvation Army's rent and utility help as limited.

Visit website · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Eastern Nebraska Community Action Partnership (ENCAP) (Douglas and Sarpy counties, including Omaha)

The Community Action agency for the Omaha area, which says it is ready to assist people during a crisis. Its home page does not describe a rent program, so call and ask what is available and whether it can refer you.

Visit website · Phone: 402-453-5656 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Tenant Assistance Project (Lancaster County Courthouse, Lincoln)

Free, limited-scope legal representation and social services support on the day of an eviction hearing, for unrepresented tenants earning up to 80% of Area Median Income. It covers only the eviction part of the case, not money claims. The number shown is Legal Aid of Nebraska's, the project's legal contact. Community Action offers non-legal tenant support at 402-875-9354.

Visit website · Phone: 877-250-2016 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Facing Eviction in Nebraska?

Under Nebraska statute, when rent is unpaid the landlord may give written notice of nonpayment and of the intent to terminate, and may end the rental agreement if the tenant does not pay within seven calendar days. A separate part of the same law allows termination on five days' written notice for certain criminal or threatening activity. Court timing is not set out in this section, so read your court papers closely and call Legal Aid right away. Read the official guidance

Free or low-cost legal help: Legal Aid of Nebraska. Civil legal help for qualifying low-income people in all 93 counties, including a Housing Justice project focused on preventing eviction. Its online application is temporarily unavailable and it takes no walk-ins, so call the AccessLine. Hours are Monday and Wednesday 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and Tuesday and Thursday 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Central. People 60 and older can call the ElderAccessLine at 800-527-7249. Visit website · Phone: 877-250-2016

This page is general information, not legal advice. Don't ignore a notice or court papers, because eviction deadlines can be short.

Nebraska Programs That Have Closed

You may still see these programs online. Check before you spend time on an application.

  • Nebraska Emergency Rental Assistance (NIFA): Federally funded pandemic rent help for Nebraska renters. NIFA's page says the program has closed and all funds have been distributed, but gives no end date.
  • Lincoln Emergency Rental Assistance (LPAC portal): The City of Lincoln says funds were expended by June 2025. The last day to apply was June 15, 2025.

More Help in Nebraska

Want other options? See our full rent assistance guide, including how to spot a scam, or see your options. That form is not an application for rent assistance. If you submit it, Benefits Explorer and its partners may contact you.

Nebraska Rent Assistance Questions

Is Nebraska Emergency Rental Assistance still available?

No. NIFA says the program has closed and all funds have been distributed. Older pages describing a waitlist or open applications are out of date.

Who helps with back rent in Lincoln?

Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties offers one-time help with past-due rent. Call 402-471-4515 and leave a message. Staff return calls in the order received, Monday through Friday.

Where do I go for rent help in Omaha?

We could not confirm a current city or county rent program in Omaha. ENCAP at 402-453-5656 is the Community Action agency for Douglas and Sarpy counties, and Nebraska 211 at 866-813-1731 can search local programs.

How long do I have after a nonpayment notice in Nebraska?

State law gives seven calendar days after the landlord's written notice to pay before the landlord may end the agreement. Eviction hearings in Lancaster County are generally held Monday through Thursday mornings, and the Tenant Assistance Project can help you at the courthouse on that day.

Rent Assistance in Nearby States

Most programs only help people who live in their state. If you are moving or live near a state line, you can also check:

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