Program Description
Nebraska’s Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (AABD) program is a two-tiered program intended to assist low-income elderly and / or disabled state residents. The program provides both cash assistance and medical care.
The AABD program helps people stay in the living situation that best suits their individual needs. This means eligible residents can live in their own home or apartment, an assisted living facility, a licensed mental health facility, a center for the developmentally disabled, a room and board arrangement, or a nursing home.
Eligibility Guidelines
General Requirements
Age – Applicants must be 65 years of age. Exceptions are made for individuals who are under 65 years of age and legally blind or designated as disabled by Social Security.
Residency – Applicants must be legal Nebraska residents. No duration of residency is required. Individuals who are just moving to the state can still receive benefits. However, their status may be subject to additional review to ensure they are not moving to the state solely to receive benefits.
Financial Requirements
Income Limits
The income limit and how the applicant’s income is calculated is complicated and confusing. Rather than financial eligibility being determined strictly by an income limit, this program uses a “standard of need” to calculate eligibility. The standard of need establishes the minimum costs required for a household to survive, based on its size. This includes essential items like food, clothing, basic household supplies, utilities, and laundry services. It also factors in phone service, trash collection, and some recreational expenses.
For a single individual in 2024, the “standard of need” is $713 a month, and for a married couple, the “standard of need” is $1,111 a month. “Standard of need” also allows an applicant to deduct their rent (the amount they spend on housing) or a portion thereof, from their income. In 2024, the maximum “rent” that can be deducted each month is $281 for an individual or $349 for a couple. This is formally called “maximum shelter allowance.”
Make note, even if one thinks they might not qualify financially, one should apply anyway. This is because the process is very complicated and one won’t know for sure until financial eligibility is calculated.
Asset Limits
In 2024, single applicants are limited to countable resources (assets) of $2,000, and married couples, $3,000. One’s home, provided their equity is valued at less than $713,000, and the applicant and / or their spouse lives in it, is considered exempt when determining countable assets.
Benefits and Services
There are two types of benefits in the AABD Program: medical assistance and cash payments. Benefits amounts are calculated specifically for each participating individual based on their current financial situation. Cash assistance can be used for a variety of purposes, including, but not limited to the following:
- Room and board (including in adult foster care and assisted living)
- Clothing and personal needs
- Home supplies and utilities
- Transportation
How to Apply / Learn More
One can apply for the program online on the Department of Health and Human Services website. The financial status of the program participant is reviewed annually to ensure they continue to meet the requirements.
Some limited information about the program is available here. Highly detailed information is available here, but be aware the language is complicated and not necessarily intended for a consumer audience.
