Nevada Free Government Cell Phone Service Guide
Nevada is a western state that borders Oregon, California, Arizona, Utah, and Idaho. It is the 7th largest state in America. Nevada is known for its deserts and the casinos, shows, and resorts in its biggest city, Las Vegas.
However, Nevada also has the highest unemployment rate in the United States, and nearly 13% of its residents struggle with low income.
If you’re struggling to pay your bills, you may qualify for Nevada free government cell phone service from Lifeline! This article will help you understand the Lifeline free government cell phone program, its benefits, the qualifications, and whether the program can benefit you.
History of Lifeline – Nevada Free Government Cell Phone Service
The Lifeline program has helped millions of qualified people living in America get free or discounted phone service since 1984. Lifeline was first started by the federal government and the Federal Communications Commission as a way to help low income Americans stay connected. Lifeline originally only provided free or discount landline service, but now cell phone services are included as an option.
The program is distributed by a nonprofit administration called the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). To get free government cell phone service, qualified consumers must apply and be approved for Lifeline. Once approved, consumers will receive their free cell phone service from an approved Lifeline service provider.
Benefits of Nevada Free Government Cell Phone Service
Thousands of people living in Nevada struggle to meet their basic needs. Without phone coverage, unemployed Nevadans cannot receive call backs regarding jobs, and disabled individuals cannot contact their doctors. Lifeline also benefits low income parents so that they can keep in touch with their child’s school, daycare, or babysitter. Nevada free cell phone service also helps out the homeless population, allowing them to conduct job searches and call about resources that may be helpful to them.
The Lifeline cell phone program provides free minutes every month. Many Lifeline service providers, such as Q Link Wireless, participate in the program and offer voice mail, caller ID, call waiting, 911 access, and customer support as part of the free package. It’s important to compare cell phone providers who offer this service because additional minutes and services vary from one carrier to another.
Do You Qualify for Nevada Free Government Cell Phone Service?
You may be eligible for free government cell phone service if you already participate in a government program such as Medicaid or Food Stamps (see below for other programs). Government assistant programs vary by state, but these are the most common government programs in Nevada that will also qualify you for Lifeline cell phone service:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or food stamps)
- Supplemental Security income (SSI)
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8 voucher)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- National School Lunch Program (Free Lunch Program only)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (BIA)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Most other government assistance programs (varies by state)
You may also qualify for Lifeline service in Nevada if you have low income. If your total yearly household income is at or below Nevada’s Federal Poverty Guidelines, then you may qualify for Lifeline. See Nevada’s Federal Poverty Guidelines here.
Is Nevada Free Government Cell Phone Service Right for Me?
As long as you meet the program’s qualifications, there is no reason why you shouldn’t participate in Lifeline. The government has set up this program to help every eligible person in America afford telecommunications services, regardless of their income.
How to Sign Up for Free Government Cell Phone Service
The online application for Lifeline different for every service provider, but the process usually involves the steps below:
- Enter personal information, such as your name and address.
- Enter information that proves your identity (usually your SSN).
- Select the government assistant program you currently participate in. If you do not currently participate in a government program, the application will then let you apply with low income.
- Select the Lifeline service plan you want from the provider. Most providers offer more than one type of Lifeline service plan for you to choose from. If there is only one option, this step may not show up in the online application.
- Submit proof document(s) that show you either participate in a government assistance program, or you have low income. Your Lifeline provider will help with providing the proof documentation. If you need help submitting documents, you should contact your Lifeline provider.
Do you qualify for free cell phone service in Nevada? You can claim your free government cell phone service in just minutes. Start by clicking below and apply online for Lifeline!
