Purpose
Nebrass is dedicated to supporting immigrant families who face genuine financial hardship. Our Fee Waiver Policy reflects our commitment to charitable service, accountability, and responsible stewardship of nonprofit resources. This policy ensures that assistance is directed to those most in need, in a manner that is fair, sustainable, and consistent with our mission.
Guiding Principles
- Focused Support – Waivers are reserved for clients experiencing serious financial need, with priority given to households at or below the federal poverty line.
- Fair & Transparent Criteria – National standards guide waiver decisions, ensuring consistency and integrity.
- Responsible Stewardship – Waivers are carefully reviewed to protect limited nonprofit resources.
- Donor Confidence – Charitable contributions are directed to cases where they make the greatest impact.
- Organizational Discretion – Nebrass retains the right to determine when and to whom fee waivers or subsidies are granted.
Eligibility
- Nebrass may grant Admin Fee full or partial waivers to clients whose household income is at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPL), as published annually by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
- Individuals receiving means-tested public benefits (e.g., SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, TANF), as well as refugees, asylum seekers, survivors of trafficking, or domestic violence, may be considered for waivers.
- Clients with income above the poverty line may be considered for reduced fees only in exceptional hardship cases.
Discretionary Authority
All waiver requests are subject to review, and Admin Fee approval is not automatic, even when income criteria are met. Nebrass reserves the right to accept or decline requests based on available funding, organizational capacity, and alignment with our mission. This ensures that Nebrass remains both charitable and sustainable, protecting the integrity of its services.
Application Process
- Clients requesting a waiver must complete a confidential application and provide proof of income or benefit participation.
- Each request is reviewed within five business days, and applicants receive a written decision.
- All records are handled with respect and confidentiality.
Funding
- Admin Fee waivers are supported by donor contributions, grants, and community partnerships.
- Nebrass issues an annual transparency report showing the percentage of services provided under waiver or subsidy, reinforcing accountability to regulators and donors.
Compliance Statement
Nebrass’s Admin Fee Waiver Policy is designed to be consistent with the standards of the U.S. Department of Justice Recognition and Accreditation (DOJ R&A) program. Under DOJ guidelines, recognized organizations must demonstrate that they charge reasonable fees, have clear written fee schedules, and provide waivers or reduced fees for clients unable to pay (see 8 C.F.R. § 1292.2(b)(1)(i)).