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Not safe at home

Safety first, then a place to stay and money of your own.Help in Nebraska, from the federal government, and near you.

If you are in danger now, call 911

You can talk with an advocate any time. It is free and private, and they can help you make a safety plan.

If someone checks your phone, use a private window or a safer device.

What to do first

  1. If you are in danger now, call 911.
  2. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or text START to 88788. Someone answers any time.
  3. Use a phone or computer the other person cannot check, and a private browser window.
  4. Ask the hotline or 211 about shelter and your state's programs for people leaving abuse.
  5. When you are safe, apply for health coverage, food and cash help in your own name.

Talk it through

If it is safe to type, tell us what is going on. Use a private browser window on a device the other person cannot check.

Dates that matter

These windows are set by federal rules. Your state may have its own dates too, so ask the agency.

  • 60 days

    Health coverage

    People leaving domestic abuse can sign up for their own Marketplace plan outside open enrollment. You have 60 days.

    Source: HealthCare.gov

Help from Nebraska

Nebraska programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

    Domestic Violence Services

    DHHS connects people experiencing domestic violence with local programs and support.

    Ways to apply:PhoneIn person

  • Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

    Nebraska Homeless Assistance Program

    NHAP funds local programs that help prevent homelessness and connect people to shelter and housing.

    Ways to apply:In person

  • Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

    Nebraska Rental Assistance

    DHHS lists rental assistance resources and referrals for Nebraskans seeking housing help.

    Ways to apply:Online

  • Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

    Aid to Dependent Children

    In Nebraska, TANF is called ADC cash assistance.

    ADC provides cash assistance to eligible families with children.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person

  • Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

    Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

    SNAP helps eligible households pay for groceries.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person

  • Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

    Nebraska Medicaid

    In Nebraska, Medicaid is called Heritage Health.

    Medicaid provides health coverage to eligible Nebraskans.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person

Checked on October 8, 2026

Federal help

These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • TheHotline.org

    National Domestic Violence Hotline

    Free and confidential. Advocates can help you make a safety plan and find shelter near you.

  • LSC.gov

    Free legal help

    Legal aid offices give free legal help to people with low income. Find the one that serves you with the Legal Services Corporation's search.

  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

    HealthCare.gov

    The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.

    Apply online at HealthCare.gov or by phone during open enrollment, or after a big change like losing other coverage.

Checked on October 9, 2026

Help near you

Find county and state offices near you, or call 211 to talk to someone about help in your area.

Offices near you

Type a five-digit ZIP code or a county in Nebraska.

Talk to a person