Nebraska Statute of Limitations on Debt
Nebraska sets a five-year statute of limitations for most written contract debts — including credit cards, medical bills, and auto loans — and a four-year window for oral agreements.
| Debt Type | Statute of Limitations | |---|---| | Credit card debt (open account) | 5 years | | Medical debt | 5 years | | Auto loans (written contract) | 5 years | | Personal loans (written contract) | 5 years | | Oral contracts | 4 years | | Promissory notes | 5 years |
The SOL clock runs from the date of default or last payment. After the applicable period expires, a lawsuit is time-barred in Nebraska. Raise the SOL as an affirmative defense if you're sued — courts do not apply it automatically.
Note: Nebraska courts have found that partial payment or written acknowledgment of a debt can restart the SOL. Exercise caution before engaging with collectors on old accounts.
Nebraska-Specific Consumer Protections
Nebraska Consumer Protection Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 59-1601 et seq.) Nebraska's Consumer Protection Act prohibits monopolistic practices and deceptive trade. The Attorney General enforces it. While the Act's primary focus is on antitrust and competitive practices, its deceptive trade provisions cover some debt collection misconduct.
Nebraska's Uniform Debt-Management Services Act Nebraska has adopted the Uniform Debt-Management Services Act, which regulates credit counseling and debt management companies. This protects consumers who enroll in debt management programs from unscrupulous operators.
Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance Debt collectors operating in Nebraska are regulated by the Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance. Collectors must be licensed, and consumers can verify license status and file complaints with the Department.
Wage Garnishment Nebraska follows federal garnishment limits, with no enhanced state protections beyond the federal floor. Garnishment is limited to 25% of disposable earnings or the amount exceeding 30 times the minimum wage, whichever is less.
How to File a Complaint in Nebraska
Nebraska Attorney General's Office — Consumer Protection
- Website: ago.nebraska.gov/consumers
- Phone: (402) 471-2682 or 1-800-727-6432
- Online complaint form available
Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance
- Website: ndbf.nebraska.gov
- Phone: (402) 471-2171
- For complaints about licensed debt collectors
Federal Rights That Apply Regardless of State
- Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): Free annual reports; dispute inaccurate items within 30 days.
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA): Third-party collector conduct standards.
- Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA): Billing error protections on credit card accounts.
File at consumerfinance.gov/complaint.
Your First Action Step
Pull your credit reports at annualcreditreport.com and identify all collection accounts. Note the original delinquency date for each. If a written contract debt is more than five years past default, it's time-barred for litigation in Nebraska. Dispute any inaccurate reporting — wrong dates, wrong amounts, or debts that aren't yours — in writing by certified mail to each bureau.