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LB1033

Changes to Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Rules

Last scannedAug 25, 2026, 3:18 AM

In one sentence

This bill sets an income limit of 150% of the federal poverty level for energy aid and allows crisis payments up to $800, with higher amounts possible in special cases.

What it does

  • Sets the income limit at 150% of the federal poverty level for families to qualify for help with home energy bills.
  • Requires the Department of Health and Human Services to manage these payments under existing state and federal laws.
  • Allows crisis assistance payments of up to $800 per program year when needed.
  • Permits officials to approve amounts higher than $800 if extenuating circumstances exist.

Who it affects

  • Households applying for the low-income home energy assistance program in Nebraska
  • The Department of Health and Human Services

Limits and unknowns

  • The bill was indefinitely postponed, meaning it did not become law in this session.
  • The text does not explain what specific situations count as extenuating circumstances for higher payments.

Plain language

Terms to know

Federal poverty level
An income number published each year by the U.S. government to measure low-income status.
Crisis assistance payments
Emergency money given to help pay for heating or cooling when a household faces an urgent problem.

Official record

Sources

Source attached

Official summary

Require the Department of Health and Human Services to make crisis assistance payments under the low-income home energy assistance program

Official activity

Bill history

  1. Indefinitely postponed