Emergency Rental Assistance Program granted $200M to help Nebraska Renters

written by: Vivian caniglia

Photo Credit:

Photo Courtesy: Associated Press/Getty Images

Governor Ricketts announced last week (February 25th) that $200 million was granted to the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Nebraska residents, excluding those from Douglas and Lancaster counties, can now apply to the program. Emergency Rental Assistance for Douglas and Lancaster counties will be shared locally not through this program. Information will be released in early March about local assistance for residents of: Douglas County, Lancaster County, the city of Lincoln and the City of Omaha.

To apply, review eligibility requirements, and stay updated on local programs, visit the Nebraska state website here.

Program help center phone number: 1-833-500-8810

Hours of Operation:

Monday-Friday 8am to 7pm

Saturday and Sunday from 9am-6pm

Other assistance programs: 

The Douglas County COVID-19 Utility Assistance Program is a utility bill assistance program that is available to our Douglas County customers that have been impacted by COVID-19. This funding is exclusively for Douglas County residents, as the agreement is specifically with Douglas County and Dollar Energy Fund. Dollar Energy Fund will administer the funding and manage the application process, similar to our OPPD Energy Assistance Program (EAP) funding.

Benefit: $500 one-time assistance grant per account holder, to be applied directly to OPPD account.

How to Apply:

Apply online. 

Visit: Dollar Energy Fund

Apply through a partner agency.

Locate an agency on the agency finder website or call the 24 hour Agency Finder hotline, 1-888-650-9132 (Automated system based on zip code provided).

Apply by phone. 

Call 2-1-1, to apply for funding over the phone through United Way.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Monthly income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)

  • Inability to pay utilities due to COVID-19

  • Applicant must an OPPD customer in Douglas County

  • Applicant or a member of the household must be a US Citizen or Lawfully Present according to Nebraska Revised Statute 4-111(b)

Required Documentation:

  • Completed COVID-19 Impact Statement within the application

  • Demonstration of 30 days income in the form of a current pay stub or income documentation

  • Copy of OPPD bill (stating amount outstanding or notice of service cutoff)

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