Falling behind on rental payments can result in stress and anxiety. However, help is available for many Nebraskans. In Nebraska, emergency rental program and outreach coordinators can help connect residents in need with proper funding.

Rental assistance is available to Nebraskans based on the area in which they reside. Be sure to look into the resources most relevant to your current location.

MyLink in Nebraska

Many Nebraskans are already aware of the MyLink webpage for Nebraska. Users can select the area in which they live and immediately view a variety of resources available to them, ranging from childcare and education assistance to senior services. Rental support services can be located from this page, as well.

All MyLink pages are downloadable so you can view resource pages without an Internet connection. If you’re unclear what services are available to you, simply select your region on their page.

Emergency Rental Assistance in Douglas County, NE

Rental assistance programs in Douglas County can be divided into two categories: those aimed towards renters within the city limits of Omaha and those meant for renters outside.

Emergency rental Assistance in Omaha, NE

If you live in the city of Omaha, rental assistance is available through the Threshold Continuum of Care (CoC). This network of organizations is dedicated to preventing homelessness and supporting stable living for citizens of Omaha. As with most other financial assistance initiatives, Omaha renters must prove financial hardship in order to receive funds. To connect with Threshold CoC, you can reach out to your local access point.

Rental Assistance in Douglas County outside of Omaha City Limits

For those living in Douglas County outside the city limits of Omaha, your nearest emergency rental assistance comes through the Christian Outreach Program - Elkhorn (COPE). If you make under 50% of the area median income (AMI), you can receive help paying your rent and/or utilities. COPE also offers legal resources for those who may need it.

Not sure which program is available at your address? COPE’s address finder will help you figure out what services are available in your area.

Emergency Rental Assistance in Lincoln, NE

If you live in the city of Lincoln, Nebraska, emergency rental assistance is available through the All Doors Lead Home Coordinated Entry System. This system helps streamline resources related to housing and emergency , as well as the surrounding Lancaster County. Similar to many other rental assistance programs, applicants will need to prove financial hardship in order to receive funding.

Not everyone in the Lincoln, Nebraska, area needs help with paying just their rent. For this reason, the All Leads Home System can also be used to apply for help paying for utilities. The application portal for both forms of assistance is clear and simple, and further assistance can be found using the MyLink website.

Nebraska Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA)

For those living in the more rural parts of Nebraska outside of the Omaha and Lincoln areas, the path is a bit more straightforward. If you live outside of those zones, the Nebraska Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA), sometimes referred to as Nebraska Rent Help, is likely your most convenient point of access to rental assistance.

Authorized in 2021, this program was created with the intention of supporting those whose finances were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. While many states saw rollbacks in ERA programs over the course of 2023, Nebraska has continued to support struggling renters through this assistance.

Applying for Nebraska Emergency Rental Assistance

In a similar manner to the qualifications put in place in 2021, applicants must provide certain documentation in order to be granted funds. This might include:

A signed and valid rental agreement
Proof of occupancy
Proof of household income
Proof that at least one earner in the household has had their income affected by COVID-19

Landlords can also apply for funding through this program in order to support stable housing. Completed applications for landlords include:

An IRS W-9 form
A signed rental or lease agreement
Proof of rental arrears owed
Documentation of other subsidies, as applicable

Further Rental Assistance for Nebraskans

While the Nebraska Emergency Rental Assistance program has helped countless renters, it’s not the only form of support out there. Plenty of federal resources exist to help keep your housing stable. For more information about what federal programs may apply to you, check out our Rental Assistance Overview.