Who can apply
Qualifying parental activities include work, Employment First, school or training, specified medical visits or a medically confirmed illness or injury. In a two-parent household, both parents must meet an eligible activity concurrently. Children generally are 12 or younger, with specified authorization and special-needs exceptions.
What help is available
The subsidy helps pay childcare costs. Depending on income, a family may owe a fee to the provider; DHHS pays the approved remainder.
Documents to prepare
- Prepare earned and unearned household income records.
- Have the child’s age, care needs and provider information available.
- Keep work, school or medical information relevant to the requested care.
How to get started
Apply through iServe
Use iServe Nebraska and complete the telephone interview.
Check provider approval
Ask whether the provider is DHHS-approved. A friend or relative may need a provider referral and approval process.
Confirm authorization
Read the decision for approved care and any family fee before assuming payments cover an arrangement.
After applying
Report changes in care needs or provider through DHHS. Do not assume a provider-referral date guarantees backdated payment.
Website screenshots
These images show the pages captured in August 2026. Website screens and rules may have changed.
Common questions
Can a special-needs teenager receive care?
The parent guidance describes assistance up to age 19 when care is required because of a special need.
Can I use a family member as provider?
Possibly, but the person must complete DHHS’s approval process.
Can care start being paid while approval is pending?
DHHS says payment begins after provider approval and is not backdated to the referral date.
Sources and review
Checked October 1, 2026 using Nebraska parent eligibility and provider guidance. USA Assistance background guide. Program staff determine eligibility and available assistance.
Historical screenshots: source reference.