Updated Aug. 26, 2026.
By Hola Nebraska
Cards may take up to 10 business days to arrive. Nebraska’s final regular mailing is scheduled for Sept. 10.
LINCOLN, Nebraska — Nebraska will mail another round of Summer EBT cards Thursday, Aug. 27. Each eligible child will receive a one-time benefit of $120.
Aug. 27 is the mailing date, not the date every family will receive a card. Nebraska DHHS says delivery can take up to 10 business days.
Families included in the Aug. 20 round may also still be waiting for their cards. After this week’s mailing, Nebraska has one final regular round scheduled for Sept. 10.
The application period ended Aug. 12. However, the closed deadline does not affect approved benefits or the remaining mailings.
Nebraska has two regular Summer EBT mailings remaining
- Aug. 27: Next regular mailing.
- Last day to use those benefits: Dec. 26.
- Expiration date: Dec. 27.
- Sept. 10: Final regular mailing of 2026.
- Last day to use the September benefits: Jan. 9, 2027.
- Final-round expiration: Jan. 10, 2027.
- Benefit amount: $120 for each eligible child.
- Delivery: Up to 10 business days after mailing.
- Card and eligibility assistance: 800-383-4278, option 5.
Nebraska DHHS notes that the issuance dates remain subject to change.
Related: Hola Nebraska’s guide explains how Nebraska’s current SNAP rules affect eligible grocery purchases.
Cards mailed Aug. 20 may still be in transit
Nebraska mailed a round of Summer EBT cards Aug. 20. Because delivery may take up to 10 business days, the normal waiting period continues beyond Aug. 26.
Eligible households receive an approval letter before the card. In addition, siblings in the same household may receive their benefits at different times.
Nebraska determines each round using eligibility information from the Department of Education, schools, public assistance programs and applications approved before Aug. 12.
The remaining rounds may include eligible students connected with SNAP, ADC or TANF, FDPIR and qualifying income-based Medicaid programs. They also include students reported as eligible by their schools and applicants approved before the deadline.
Benefits issued Aug. 27 will expire Dec. 27
Families have 122 days to use each Summer EBT payment. The countdown begins the day after Nebraska issues the benefit.
The period does not begin when the card arrives or when the household activates it. Using part of the balance also does not extend the deadline.
For example, benefits issued Aug. 27 can be used through Dec. 26. Any remaining balance will expire Dec. 27.
Nebraska cannot restore or reissue Summer EBT funds after they expire. Families that received benefits during earlier rounds have different deadlines.
The complete schedule of issuance, replacement and expiration dates is available in the Nebraska DHHS Summer EBT frequently asked questions.
Summer EBT cards arrive in an unmarked white envelope
Nebraska mails cards to the address registered with DHHS, the student’s school or the approved Summer EBT application.
The card arrives in a white window envelope with a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, return address. The outside does not display Nebraska DHHS information.
Benefits for multiple eligible children generally appear on one card issued to the head of household. However, children in foster care receive cards in their own names.
Families can activate a card by calling 877-247-6328. The automated system requests the oldest child’s date of birth, the ZIP code connected to the mailing address and a new PIN.
Replacement-card requests close before benefits expire
Families can request a replacement card until approximately two weeks before the benefits expire.
- Cards issued Aug. 20: Replacement requests close Dec. 6.
- Cards issued Aug. 27: Replacement requests close Dec. 13.
- Cards issued Sept. 10: Replacement requests close Dec. 27.
A lost, stolen or damaged card can be reported at 877-247-6328. Families may also use Nebraska’s online replacement form or contact DHHS directly.
Eligibility and card questions can be directed to 800-383-4278, option 5, or [email protected].
Nebraska closed Summer EBT applications Aug. 12
Nebraska is no longer accepting applications for the 2026 program period. The closed application period does not stop the delivery of approved benefits.
Summer EBT does not count as income or resources for other assistance programs. Families can use the money for eligible food at grocery stores, farmers markets and online retailers that accept SNAP EBT.
Since Jan. 1, 2026, Nebraska Summer EBT cards cannot be used to purchase soda or energy drinks.
The next mailing remains scheduled for Aug. 27. Nebraska plans to complete its final regular Summer EBT mailing Sept. 10.
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