State officials say the number of Nebraska families collecting Aid to Dependent Children is on the rise.
Program overseer Todd Reckling says about 200 more families have
been added to the welfare program's rolls each month for the past
three months.
The program provides cash for very low-income families with
children, up to $293 for a parent and one child. It also gives the
family access to Medicaid health care.
Reckling says that because there has been no change in
eligibility, the economy is likely a factor in the increase.
In August, there were 9,062 enrolled in the program - the most
since October 2007.
Nebraska's jump in Aid to Dependent Children families followed
increases in unemployment and the use of food stamps.
