This bill amends section 43-512 of the Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement, 2024, concerning public assistance for dependent children in Nebraska. It allows any dependent child or their eligible caretaker to apply for financial assistance through the Department of Health and Human Services. The bill specifies that the maximum payment level for monthly assistance will be calculated and tied to the annual inflation factor, starting on September 10, 2025, replacing the previous method which was based on fifty-five percent of the standard of need. Additionally, it establishes that no payments will be made for amounts totaling less than ten dollars per month, except in cases of recovering overpayments.

The bill also outlines provisions for preventing dependency by requiring the department to adopt rules and regulations for services to former and potential recipients of aid. It includes transitional benefits for families who become ineligible for aid due to increased employment hours or income, such as ongoing transitional payments for basic needs, child care, and medical assistance for up to twelve months post-employment. The original section 43-512 is repealed, indicating a comprehensive update to the public assistance framework in Nebraska.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 43-512