How to Get SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and Other Benefits in Lyon County, Nevada
Lyon County residents who need food assistance, cash help, health coverage, or child care subsidies access those programs through two separate agencies — the Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS) for state and federal benefit programs, and Lyon County Human Services for local support services. This page explains what each covers and how to reach them.
Lyon County is a largely rural county stretching from Fernley near the Reno metro to Yerington in the Walker River valley — a region where agriculture, small manufacturing, and commuter households make up much of the economy. Many residents don't have easy access to Reno-area services, making the local offices critical entry points.
Lyon County Human Services — local support
Lyon County Human Services (LCHS) operates offices in Dayton, Fernley, Silver Springs, and Yerington. While they don't directly administer SNAP or Medicaid, their staff can help connect residents to DWSS applications, provide case management, refer to community resources, and run programs covering children's services, adult services, senior services, and behavioral health support. If you're not sure where to start or need help navigating multiple programs at once, LCHS is a useful first call.
Their main number is (775) 577-5009. DWSS applications can also be handled through LCHS offices in Dayton, Fernley, and Silver Springs. The Lyon County Human Services website is https://lyon-county.org/175/Human-Services
SNAP — food assistance
SNAP provides monthly benefits loaded onto an EBT card to help low-income households buy groceries. Nevada has no asset limit for SNAP, which means savings accounts or a car won't disqualify you the way they might in some other states. Benefits are sized based on income and household size. Most major grocery stores in Fernley, Yerington, and surrounding communities accept EBT.
To apply, contact the DWSS office nearest you. If your household has little or no income and needs help immediately, tell them when you call — expedited processing can get benefits to you within 7 business days in urgent situations.
If you already receive SNAP, you may qualify for Nevada's SNAP Employment and Training program, which can cover job training costs, financial literacy classes, and childcare assistance while you work toward employment.
TANF — cash assistance
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) provides monthly cash payments to low-income families with children. Unlike SNAP, the cash can be used for any basic need — rent, bills, clothing, whatever the household requires. In Nevada, TANF carries a 60-month lifetime limit and requires participation in work-related activities. Benefits are modest, and DWSS staff will walk you through the participation requirements when you apply.
Medicaid — health coverage
Nevada expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, which is significant: adults without children can qualify for coverage if their income is at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health services, and more at little or no cost.
Children who don't qualify for standard Medicaid may be eligible for Nevada Check Up, the state's low-cost health insurance program for uninsured children up to age 18.
Child care assistance
Income-eligible families can receive subsidies to help pay for child care while a parent is working or in an approved training program. Apply through DWSS alongside your other benefits — SNAP, TANF, and child care assistance use overlapping income rules, so applying for all at once saves time. See more on the child care assistance Nevada page.
WIC
Pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5 who receive SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid automatically meet WIC's income requirements. WIC provides food packages, nutrition support, and cash-value benefits for fresh produce. Apply through the county health department rather than DWSS.
Energy assistance — LIHEAP and weatherization
Lyon County residents can apply for the Energy Assistance Program, which provides an annual benefit paid directly to your utility provider to help with heating and cooling costs. See our guide to EAP - LIHEAP in Nevada. Applications are accepted through the program year on a rolling basis until funding runs out. Separately, the Nevada Rural Housing Authority runs a Weatherization program that improves home energy efficiency — reducing bills over the long term. Both programs are administered locally; contact Lyon County Human Services for current intake information.
How to apply
The fastest way to apply for SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid is online at https://accessnevada.nv.gov/, Nevada's benefits portal. Paper applications can be picked up at any DWSS office or submitted by mail.
Nevada DWSS office in Yerington: 215 West Bridge Street, Suite 6, Yerington, NV 89447 — Phone: (775) 463-302
Nevada DWSS office in Fernley: 460 West Main Street, Suite 110, Fernley, NV 89408 — Phone: (775) 575-1703
Lyon County Human Services main line: (775) 577-5009
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