Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services prepares to launch TANF pilot program in October

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services will launch a redesigned Employment First Program on Oct. 1 as part of a federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families pilot.

Nebraska is one of only five states selected to participate in the initiative to improve the TANF program.

“This pilot represents an exciting opportunity to help Nebraska families build stronger, more secure futures,” said Barbara Lacina, Director of the Office of Economic Assistance. “By pairing personalized coaching with expanded access to education and training, we’re giving participants the tools, confidence, and pathways they need to pursue meaningful careers and achieve lasting financial independence.”

The pilot will focus on participants in Employment First, Nebraska’s mandatory work program for work-eligible parents and caregivers receiving Aid to Dependent Children. The program has been redesigned to shift its focus from compliance to individualized career planning, education, and employment opportunities that promote long-term self-sufficiency. Current EF participants will transition to the redesigned program starting Oct. 1.

Under the pilot, participants will work with Career Coaches to develop Individualized Employment Plans. According to the DHHS, the program will emphasize career pathways to high-wage, high-demand occupations.

The redesigned program also removes weekly work-hour requirements and timesheets and will require participants to demonstrate progress by working toward the goals outlined in their IEPs.

DHHS said EF will remain mandatory for work-eligible ADC participants and existing sanction policies will remain in place for those who do not meet program requirements without good cause.

For more information on EF and TANF, visit https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/TANF.aspx.

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