It wouldn’t be inaccurate to say that the Cornhusker State is economically schizophrenic. Here’s what we mean.
Statistics from the US Census Bureau tell two conflicting stories about the state’s economy – one of a strengthening economy in the rural areas, but of a worsening economy in the cities.
For example, the state’s average household income has recently risen to record levels.
But Nebraska’s economy is heavily dependent on agriculture. And as you might expect when you see the skyrocketing costs at the grocery store, the state’s rural areas are doing much better than its cities.
Unfortunately, Nebraska’s urban income levels declined by -0.4%.
Unfortunately, the state’s median income level and its level of poverty remain stubbornly high.
So while the politicians in Washington, DC pat themselves on the back and brag that the economy is on the rebound, needy Nebraska residents don’t believe it, the number of Cornhuskers remains stubbornly high.
As one wit once noted, “When your neighbor loses his job, it’s a recession. When you lose your job, it’s a depression.”
We’re pretty sure that’s how a lot of Nebraskans feel. And we’re also pretty sure that they welcome the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity free government cell phone programs with open arms to their state.
Lifeline and ACP free government cell phone service providers in Nebraska
There are now four providers serving the state:
How to qualify for Lifeline Assistance free government cell phones in Nebraska
If you qualify for Lifeline Assistance, but you find that none of the companies offer free government cell phones where you live, you have another option. The companies below, while not offering free cell phone plans, do offer substantial Lifeline discounts off their regular mobile phone plans in Nebraska:
How to Qualify in Nebraska for a Free or Discounted Lifeline Cell Phone
You are eligible if you receive benefits from any of these programs in Nebraska:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
- Veterans Pension and Survivor's Benefit.
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (BIA)
- Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Tribal Head Start (only those households meeting its income qualifying standard)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
In Nebraska, you may also qualify if your Total Household Income is at or under 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. See chart the following chart to see if you qualify on income; the level you see reflect the 135% calculation:
| Income Based Eligibility for Nebraska | ||
|---|---|---|
| Members in Household | Annual income | |
| 1 member | $18,347 | |
| 2 members | $24,719 | |
| 3 members | $31,091 | |
| 4 members | $37,463 | |
| 5 members | $43,835 | |
| 6 members | $50,207 | |
| 7 members | $56,579 | |
| 8 members | $62,951 | |
| For each additional member add $6,372 annually | ||
How to qualify for an ACP free government phone and unlimited service in Nebraska
It’s even easier to qualify for ACP service than it is to qualify for Lifeline service. The USAC website spells it all out:
Consumers qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) through participation in Lifeline or a Lifeline-qualifying program, having an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, through participation in ACP-qualifying programs, such as the free and reduced-price school lunch or breakfast program (including the Community Eligibility Provision), WIC, through award of a federal Pell Grant, or through participation in a participating service provider’s existing low-income program.
Tens of thousands of Nebraskans qualify for the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity (ACP) programs. Don’t be one of those who miss out. Enroll in your favorite Lifeline and ACP plan today.
Latest Lifeline & ACP News for Nebraska:
If you have any other questions, please refer to the links in the sidebar.
Stacey Stanforth says
I need a phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Click around this website for a few minutes and you’ll learn everything you need to know.
Rebecca Donner says
I have Verizon and had them many years but I didn’t see them on your list
Free Government Cell Phones says
Verizon does not offer free government cell phones. They offer discounted Lifeline phones, but not free.
Charles R Fuhs says
My wife and I are on SS and the income from that is over the $24,700 Does that income disqualify us.?
Free Government Cell Phones says
If you are over that limit you cannot qualify based on income. But look at the page again because there are lots of other ways you can qualify.
Jacqueline says
Am I able to enroll someone who currently resides in an adult group home who is a family member? He needs a phone for work and commuting downtown also for potential emergencies. Is there a phone that comes with the service plan?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Yes, group homes are the exception to the “one per household” rule. You’ll need to fill out a special form.
nancy says
It say I qualify for a free phone but none of the companies it shows have service in Nebraska even though this website gives me the names of three of them. Can you help?
Free Government Cell Phones says
The programs seem to change every day and we really appreciate it when readers alert us to changes we haven’t noticed. It looks like StandUp no longer does business in Nebraska, but the other two companies still list Nebraska on their lists of states served.
DESIRAY STRYKER says
Im going to see if this wotks.
Free Government Cell Phones says
It works. It’s already helped millions of low-income Americans and we hope you become one of them.
Bryan miller says
I am a stay at home father, i am waiting for medicaid, i am in need of umbilical hernia surgery. Due to my health, i am unable to work. We are waiting for food assistance, medicaid, and i am also awaiting a legal matter in iowa. I am in need of a cell phone provided by the government, because my girlfriend and myself are not able to make our monthly payments for living and a cell phone payment on top of. If anything were to happen to us, id have to walk to the neighbors and use their phone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
All the companies offering plans in your state are listed on this page, Bryan. Check them all out carefully to find the plan that fits your needs best, then enroll with that company.
Artie H Segers says
I’m interested in a free government phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Read about all the providers in your state on this page, choose the plan that fits your needs best, then enroll with that company using the contact info we provide.
justin walker says
myname is justin walker i live in omaha and i have snap how do i appy?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Simple, Justin. Just check out all the free government cell phone plans listed on this page. Find the one that fits your needs best and enroll using the contact info we provide on each service provider’s page.
carol cantril says
I’m trying to get a free phone and also free cell phone minutes a month for Omaha Nebraska my email is *********@yahoo.com
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry, Carol, but we cannot respond to individual emails because of the daily volume of comments and questions we receive.
Barbara K Kostielney says
I am on SSI & SS. Food stamps, Section 8,Mommas meals , and Im also disabled.I have Visiting nurses come in as well as house keeping. I could use this phone! I only make $755.00 a month and my bills takes it all up.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sounds like you qualify, so please contact any of the companies listed on this page, Barbara.
Me says
I have to actually work for a living. Pay 515 rent. Pay my own bills. Can’t afford a doctor. Can’t afford nutritional food. Work 2 jobs. Get off your lazy butts and get jobs. Many, Many jobs available in Nebraska. MANY, MANY JOBS. STOP MAKING MY TAXES PAY YOUR WAY IN LIFE!!!! LAZY, LAZY, LAZY PEOPLE. SHAMEFUL WAY TO BRING KIDS INTO WORLD. YOU DONT EVEN RAISE THEM. THE PUBLIC DOES CUZ YOU ARE A DISGRACE TO YOUR OWN PARENTS. OR, maybe You were raised on Welfare, too. Disgusting.
Ashley M Ramirez says
Some of us have worked and are now pregnant on bed rest and no longer can. To ensure the safe delivery of our children and safety of ourselves some of us need programs like this. Good for you that you work hard. But how about people like u who show they are ugly on the inside about an unnecessary opinion actually being relevant just keep their mouths shut. Because unless you are trying to help someone get out of poverty or to not need assistance then your opinion is completely irrelevant. Im so glad you waisted time in your day to be an ugly individual and express your opinion. However…if you’re not helping someone make a change you are just part of the problem. Have a great day though and hope karma catches up to you soon.
Stacie says
Ur mouth is a disgrace I have over a half mill and I pay my way I see how well 2 jobs and no medical is working for you. Maybe If the whole world including u and I worked together we could make it a better place but then there’s people like you who think there better then everyone else I really hope u don’t have kids and raise them with that disgusting attitude or mind set u should be ashamed of yourself !!!!!
Aaron Wright says
I need a cell phone,,I’m in the process of getting disability and not able to work the last 3years,,with no income except 192 on my EBT card,, my step son stays with me, I’m his payee, he gets $670 a month,, we pay $50 for rent on the hud program plus utilities, no money for cell phone, can you help me, sincerely
Aaron Wright
Free Government Cell Phones says
We don’t know enough about your financial situation to tell you if you are eligible or not, Aaron. However, here’s a page that tells you all the different ways you can qualify:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
If you do qualify, check out all the free government cell phone plans available in your state to find the one that fits your needs best:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Shelli l. Hokamp says
I need help with a phone cause of health reasons & i can’t afford one right now. Social security is only given me so much on my check.
Free Government Cell Phones says
If you qualify for the program, you can enroll with any of the companies listed on this page, Shelli. Here’s where you can find out if you qualify:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
Dawn says
I need help with getting a emergency free phone along with minutes due to our son being handicap, scisofrinic, 1 of the 4% of the world who has split personality of 8 different ones.
My email is *********@outlook.com
My name
Mrs. Joshua Griffith (Dawn Griffith)
Free Government Cell Phones says
Everything you need to know is right here on this page, Dawn. Read all the info and then enroll with the company that fits your needs best.
Ishma-EL Muhammad Bey says
How long does it take to receive your Phone after the application is sent back
Free Government Cell Phones says
It depends on the company, Ishmael. Most companies say a couple weeks, but three or four weeks does not seems to be unusual. One unfortunate reader reported that it took six months, but we believe that was a freak situation.
Steve says
Hi Again!
I love the site, VERY helpful. You folks also need to be sainted on patience alone.
I live In NE, the far rural areas are the toughest for cell company/system offerings. However on a PLUS, I We have Viaero as our lifeline free service provider. There is some confusion when I contacted customer service, they do not offer any data whatsoever for internet through the lifeline service, NOR do they offer smartphones, the Phone CS Rep explained to me that (paraphrased) the lifeline system is set up akin to the pre-pay system. The local store Rep told me that they do not offer a smartphone Upgrade and phones are not able to use Wi-Fi. The kicker is that this phone I received from Viaero for my Lifeline service is a blackberry 9300 curve, works great with my home Wi-Fi. Alas no network data. But there it is, I Viaero offers lifeline services
II Someone @ Viaero has refurb or other smartphones for their lifeline customers (or I am just THAT special)
III I am delusional.
I am hoping with your experience and knowledge you might be able to clarify some of this.
Thank You in advance
Steve
Free Government Cell Phones says
Check out our other website, Steve. It’s called FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net and it is the nation’s leading authority on the Lifeline Assistance program. You can find a complete list of all of your state’s service provider’s here:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
We show that Viaero offers a Lifeline “discount,” but does not offer free government cell hones. We’re hoping that you can find a Nebraska Lifeline company that satisfies your specific needs. Good luck.
Steve says
Aye,
That was my reason for posting, I do in fact have a literal lifeline phone, the blackberry 9300 I am using right now was provided by Viaero, and the monthly 250 voice min and 250 text are on the Viaero lifeline provider plan. I do not receive a bill, nor are there any charges. You can top off the minutes if you run out. (I have done this once stranded out of town) I promise you I am not suffering delusions as per my previous post LOL.
I hope this clears things up.
Thanks again,
Steve
Heidi Chable says
Im on disability and need a phone gor my apoinments etc.. help me would be nice.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Unfortunately, Heidi, your disability is not enough to qualify you for the free government cell phone program. But there are lots of other ways to qualify. Here’s an article that tells you all those ways:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
Shelley ihde says
I receive food stamps and have no other income at this time how in Omaha Nebraska can I receive a free phone and service?
Free Government Cell Phones says
It sounds like you clearly qualify for the program. You simply need to apply for the program with one of the companies that does business in Nebraska. Unfortunately, you live in a state that has very few choices and limited competition.
To find the companies that do business in your area, click on the “States” link at the top of the page. Then scroll down and click on “Nebraska.” Click through all three service providers to find the plan that works best for you. Good luck.
Mary Harding says
I qualify for a free phone per your requirement for Nebraska. Please send me info on how I go about receiving one. I am a low income senior citizen one Medicare/Medicaid.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Since you left this comment on our Nebraska page, just go back to that page. You’ll find a list of all free government cell phone companies doing business in the state. Click through that list to see which one offers the best deal for you. Contact that company using the information we provide.
Sammy Brown says
I cannot afford a cell phone can you please send me a free one
Lorie Sullivan says
More about lifeline and internet please. I receiver general assistance, LIHEAP and foodstamps.
Marilyn Matson says
I am a widow of 13 years. I am now living in a assissed living and can not afford a cell phone or internet I need some help.
Marilyn Matson says
How long doesit take to go through the prcess?
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
You’ll get a phone usually in from a week to a few weeks.
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Call one of the providers above.
rosa l says
how long does it take for me to get approved and get my free fone and minutes????
Jennifer Myers says
I need internet so I can go back to school online and my daughter has homework that is REQUIRED by her 6th grade teacher that requires her to go onto a google account to do her math homework each night.
Virginnkia Lynn Prickett says
Hello:)
I need to know which cell phone provider is available in Nebraska, please.
My claim for Social Security Disability is currently pending. My attorney, **** ******* of Scottsbluff, Nebraska has filed an appeal with the Appeals Council.
I am currently waiting for their decision.
Thank you,
Virginia **** *******.
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
The phone providers available in Nebraska are the one we listed on this page for Nebraska.
Cha'La Robinson says
thank you
Nancy says
this all looks Great for Low Income but what about the elderly. My Mom is 80 but is not on any government assistance programs and lives alone.
Nancy
Free Government Cell Phones says
Only if she can qualify by income.
priestcellius brown says
I would like to sign me and my son up for free cell phonw
JILL WEST says
I would like to apply for a free phone. I am pregnant and not working. My husband is the only one working
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact the providers we have listed above for you and choose one.
Dorothy Moreland says
How do we request this phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact the providers on this page.
Dorothy Moreland says
I would like one of your phones. How do I get one?
Free Government Cell Phones says
If you are in Nebraska, you are on the right page, just read it. If you are not in Nebraska, start here:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
calvin says
Want to apply for free phone