Nebraska Summer EBT — abbreviated “SEBT” in Nebraska state materials — provides $120 per eligible school-age child for summer grocery purchases. The program is administered by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Students approved for free or reduced-price school meals during the 2025–2026 school year are automatically enrolled and do not need to apply. Other families apply at dhhs.ne.gov.
Nebraska has two distinctive features in this series: a formal opt-out form for families who don’t want benefits, and an active soda and energy drink ban on SNAP and SEBT purchases.
Nebraska SEBT 2026 — Key Facts
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Program abbreviation | SEBT (Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer) — Nebraska’s term |
| Benefit amount | $120 per eligible child (one-time payment) |
| State agency | Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) |
| Official page | dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Summer-EBT.aspx |
| DHHS phone | (800) 383-4278, option 5 |
| DHHS email | DHHS.SEBT@nebraska.gov |
| EBT card replacement | EBT Edge: (877) 247-6328 or DHHS: (800) 383-4278 opt. 5 |
| Address update | DHHS (800) 383-4278 opt. 5, benefits portal, child’s school, AND USPS website |
| Benefits expire | 122 days from issue date |
| Application | Available at dhhs.ne.gov — for NSLP students not approved for free/reduced meals |
| Opt-out form | Available at dhhs.ne.gov for students who qualified but families don’t want benefits |
| Nebraska SNAP | Soda and energy drink ban active |
| Nebraska TANF called | ADC (Aid to Dependent Children) |
Who Qualifies for Nebraska SEBT
Nebraska’s SEBT eligibility is centered primarily on school meal approval — making the free and reduced-price meal application pathway the most important pathway for most Nebraska families.
Automatically Enrolled — No Application Needed
Your student is automatically enrolled if they were approved for free or reduced-price meals during the 2025–2026 school year through their NSLP or SBP school.
This is the primary automatic enrollment pathway in Nebraska. Students who were directly certified through SNAP, ADC (Nebraska’s TANF), or other public assistance programs are also enrolled automatically through the school meal certification system.
If your student received free or reduced-price meals in 2025–2026, you do not need to complete an application.
Must Apply — Income-Eligible NSLP Students Not Approved for Meals
Nebraska’s application is specifically for a narrow group:
Fill out the Summer EBT application ONLY if:
- Your student(s) went to a school with the NSLP during the 2025–2026 school year AND
- Did NOT receive free or reduced-price meals BUT
- You think you are eligible based on the program’s income guidelines
If your child attends an NSLP school but your family didn’t complete the school meal application — or the application was denied but you believe you should qualify based on income — apply at dhhs.ne.gov.
Nebraska SEBT Income Limits 2026
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income Limit | Annual Gross Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,248 | $26,973 |
| 2 | $3,041 | $36,482 |
| 3 | $3,834 | $46,006 |
| 4 | $4,628 | $55,530 |
| 5 | $5,421 | $65,052 |
| 6 | $6,214 | $74,574 |
| 7 | $7,008 | $84,098 |
| 8 | $7,801 | $93,608 |
| Each additional | +$794/month | +$9,524/year |
Based on 185% FPL. Confirm current thresholds at dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Summer-EBT.aspx.
Nebraska’s Opt-Out Form — For Families Who Don’t Want Benefits
Nebraska provides a formal “I Do Not Want to Receive Summer EBT Benefits” opt-out form — one of the more explicitly structured opt-out mechanisms in this series. Families whose student qualified for free or reduced-price meals in 2025–2026 but who do not want to receive 2026 SEBT benefits can complete the opt-out form at dhhs.ne.gov.
Important: Do NOT complete the opt-out form if you want benefits. The form only prevents receipt of benefits for families who actively choose not to participate.
How to Apply for Nebraska SEBT
Step 1 — Confirm Whether Your Child Is Auto-Enrolled
If your student was approved for free or reduced-price meals during the 2025–2026 school year, they are automatically enrolled. Do not apply.
If you’re unsure of your student’s meal approval status, contact your child’s school.
Step 2 — Apply at dhhs.ne.gov (Only If Needed)
If your student attended an NSLP school but was NOT approved for free or reduced-price meals, and you believe you qualify based on income:
- Apply online at dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Summer-EBT.aspx
- Call (800) 383-4278, option 5 for assistance
- Email DHHS.SEBT@nebraska.gov for questions
Step 3 — What You’ll Need
- Student’s name, date of birth, and NSLP school name
- Household size and monthly gross income
- Confirmation that the student did NOT receive free or reduced-price meals in 2025–2026 (this confirms you’re in the right applicant category)
Step 4 — Update Your Address
Nebraska has a specific address update requirement — you must update your address in all of the following places:
- Contact DHHS at (800) 383-4278, option 5
- Use your benefits portal
- Contact your child’s school
- Also update on the US Post Office website (USPS)
This four-step address update process is more comprehensive than most states — missing any one of them could result in your card going to the wrong address.
Nebraska’s Replacement Card Policy
Nebraska has specific guidance around replacement SEBT cards:
- Do not request a 2026 replacement SEBT card unless you have received a letter informing you that you received 2026 SEBT benefits, or have been provided a case number and confirmation of benefits from DHHS
- Do not submit multiple replacement requests for the same family — it delays processing
- A high volume of replacement requests are being received; allow a minimum of 15 days for the replacement card to arrive
To replace your card: Contact EBT Edge at (877) 247-6328 or DHHS at (800) 383-4278, option 5, or email DHHS.SEBT@nebraska.gov.
Nebraska SNAP Restrictions — Soda and Energy Drink Ban
Nebraska has an active USDA Food Restriction Waiver banning soda and energy drinks from SNAP purchases. This ban also applies to Nebraska SEBT benefits.
What is banned in Nebraska SNAP/SEBT:
- Soda (carbonated soft drinks)
- Energy drinks
What is still allowed:
- All fruits and vegetables
- Meat, dairy, bread, grains
- Most snack foods, juice, water, and other groceries
Nebraska’s ban is among the narrower state restrictions in this series — limited to soda and energy drinks only, unlike Iowa’s broader tax-code-based restrictions or Indiana’s ban that also covers candy.
For the full guide to Nebraska’s SNAP restrictions, see Nebraska SNAP soda and energy drink ban.
Nebraska’s ADC Program
Nebraska calls its TANF/cash assistance program ADC (Aid to Dependent Children) — administered by DHHS. ADC recipients are categorically eligible for SNAP in Nebraska, and like SNAP households, children in ADC households are automatically enrolled in SEBT through school meal direct certification.
Where to Use Nebraska SEBT
Nebraska SEBT works at any authorized SNAP retailer statewide, subject to the soda and energy drink ban:
- Major grocery chains — Hy-Vee, Walmart, Aldi, Baker’s (Kroger banner in Nebraska), Fareway, Super Saver
- Farmers’ markets that accept SNAP/EBT — Nebraska participates in Double Up Food Bucks (up to $20/visit match on fresh produce)
- Convenience stores with SNAP authorization
- Online grocery ordering at Walmart and Amazon Fresh where EBT is accepted (soda/energy drink restrictions apply to online orders as well)
Nebraska SEBT follows SNAP food rules plus the active soda and energy drink ban. See the SNAP-eligible food guide for general eligibility.
Additional Resources for Nebraska Families
Nebraska SNAP: Apply through ACCESSNebraska at ACCESSNebraska.ne.gov or call (800) 383-4278. Check Nebraska SNAP income limits and see how to apply for SNAP benefits in Nebraska.
WIC: For families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, or child under 5. Check Nebraska WIC income eligibility.
SUN Meals / SFSP: Free hot meals for all children 18 and under at community sites. Dial 211 or visit fns.usda.gov/meals/find-sites. Rural Nebraska families should check for “SUN Meals To-Go” delivery or pickup options.
LIHEAP: Nebraska SNAP households automatically meet LIHEAP income requirements. See energy assistance eligibility in Nebraska.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Nebraska SEBT?
Students approved for free or reduced-price school meals during the 2025–2026 school year are automatically enrolled. Students at NSLP schools who were NOT approved for meals but whose household income meets the guidelines (185% FPL) may apply at dhhs.ne.gov.
Do I need to apply if my child received free or reduced-price meals?
No — students already approved for free or reduced-price meals are automatically enrolled. Do not apply if your child was already approved for school meals.
Who should apply for Nebraska SEBT?
Only families whose student attended an NSLP school in 2025–2026 but was NOT approved for free or reduced-price meals, and who believe they qualify based on household income.
What is the Nebraska SEBT opt-out form?
Nebraska provides a formal opt-out form at dhhs.ne.gov for families whose student qualified for free or reduced-price meals but who do not want to receive 2026 SEBT benefits. Completing it prevents benefit receipt.
Can I use Nebraska SEBT to buy soda or energy drinks?
No — Nebraska has an active USDA Food Restriction Waiver banning soda and energy drinks from both SNAP and SEBT purchases. See Nebraska SNAP soda and energy drink ban for details.
How do I replace my Nebraska SEBT card?
Call EBT Edge at (877) 247-6328 or DHHS at (800) 383-4278, option 5, or email DHHS.SEBT@nebraska.gov. Only request a replacement after receiving a letter confirming 2026 SEBT benefits. Allow at least 15 days for delivery.
For the complete Summer EBT national overview, see the SUN Bucks program guide. To check your Nebraska SNAP eligibility, use the food assistance eligibility estimator.