How do I find and access senior services?

Area Agency on Aging (AAA) - regional level / Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Aging and Disability Services (state level)

Details

What you need to know

Fee

Most services free or on sliding scale ONLINE OPTION: Yes - dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Aging.aspx; accessnebraska.nebraska.gov; 211nebraska.org WHERE TO GO: Your regional AAA; local senior center; 2-1-1 Nebraska; DHHS local office

Online Option

Yes - dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Aging.aspx; accessnebraska.nebraska.gov; 211nebraska.org

Where to Go

Your regional AAA; local senior center; 2-1-1 Nebraska; DHHS local office

County-specific variations apply

Nebraska's 8 AAAs serve different geographic regions. Douglas County (Omaha), Lancaster County (Lincoln), and Sarpy County/Eastern Nebraska have the most extensive urban senior services. Rural Nebraska (Sandhills, Panhandle, southwest Nebraska) may have more limited local services and significant travel distances. The 8 AAAs cover: Eastern (Omaha metro), Southeast Nebraska, Lincoln/Lancaster County, South Central, Northeast, West Central, Northwest, and Midlands regions. Contact your specific AAA for local program enrollment.

Nebraska Notes

Important state-specific details

SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program): Nebraska's free Medicare counseling program - available through DHHS and AAAs; contact 1-800-234-7119; helps with Medicare plan selection, prescription drug plans, and billing disputes.
AGED AND DISABLED WAIVER: Nebraska's primary Medicaid HCBS waiver - allows qualifying seniors to receive home-based care; apply through DHHS at (800) 383-4278.
HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION: income-based property tax exemption for seniors 65+, disabled veterans, and low-income disabled individuals; apply with County Assessor by June 30.
NEBRASKA PROPERTY TAX CREDIT: refundable state income tax credit for property taxes paid - also benefits seniors who own property; claim on state income tax return.
Adult Protective Services (APS): report elder abuse through DHHS APS - (800) 652-1999 (APS 24-hour statewide hotline).
Legal Aid of Nebraska: (800) 742-7555.

Official Source

State office contact

State Office

Nebraska DHHS, Division of Aging and Disability Services - dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Aging.aspx | 1-800-942-7830; SHIIP Medicare: 1-800-234-7119; APS: (800) 652-1999; 2-1-1 Nebraska: dial 211