The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will launch a redesigned Employment First Program on October 1 as part of a federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) 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 (OEA). “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 (EF), Nebraska’s mandatory work program for work-eligible parents and caregivers receiving Aid to Dependent Children (ADC). 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 October 1.
Under the pilot, participants will work with Career Coaches to develop Individualized Employment Plans (IEP) tailored to their goals and needs. The program will emphasize career pathways to high-wage, high-demand occupations while expanding access to education, apprenticeships, vocational training, internships, and other employment opportunities. Participants will also receive support to address barriers that may affect their ability to succeed.
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.
While participation requirements are becoming more flexible, 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.
DHHS will provide additional information about EF and the TANF pilot in the near future. For more information on EF and TANF, visit https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/TANF.aspx.