Is your family participating in public benefits programs like SNAP or Medicaid?

Follow the steps on this 2022 benefits check-up checklist to make sure your family gets or keeps all of its available tax credits and benefits.

☐ Update your household info
Many people have been displaced or experienced changes in their lives during the pandemic. Update your Medicaid and SNAP cases, including contact information, to make sure you keep your benefits and know when deadlines are coming up. Call (855) 632-7633 or go to accessnebraska.ne.gov.

☐ Keep your child’s school informed
Schools need to keep your information up to date so your child(ren) receive(s) available free or reduced-price school meals and Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) funds. Learn more at https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/EBT.aspx.

• If your child is out of school because of a COVID-19 related reason, make sure to report the reason for their absence to your child’s school so that they may receive P-EBT funds for qualifying absences.

• Even if your child is getting free school meals during the COVID-19 pandemic, submit a new free or reduced-price meals application to your school so your child does not lose access if they are still eligible after the pandemic.

☐ Check on other benefits & programs
Go to accessnebraska.ne.gov to find out more about benefits. Check out the Food Bank for the Heartland and Food Bank of Lincoln for food resources.

☐ File your 2021 tax return
Even if you aren’t required or don’t normally file your taxes, be sure to file your 2021 tax return so you can claim the rest of your expanded Child Tax Credit and other funds like the Earned Income Tax Credit. Free help is available in English and Spanish at Get Your Refund.

Make sure that you and your family have the supports to which they are entitled. As the pandemic progresses, we could all use a hand up.

Reach out if you have questions and take care,

Megan Hamann
She/Her/Hers
Hablo español
Economic Justice Community Organizer
Nebraska Appleseed