Guide to Free Government Cell Phone Service for Missouri Residents

As of 2020, the state of Missouri ranked among the highest in America in terms of hunger and food insecurity. It seems that behind the attractions of St. Louis, Kansas city and Springfield, the “Show Me” state has its lows.

Unemployment insurance and children living apart from families are not looking that good either, while the poverty rate peaked at 15.9 percent%. Although analysts indicate economic stability and growth, this does not mean that everyone has a job or the means to support themselves. Did you know that Missouri residents can qualify for a free government cell phone service with UNLIMITED talk, text and 3 Gig of Data?

Here’s a Guide to Free Government Cell Phone Service for Missouri Residents!

There are hundreds of thousands of Americans currently living in poverty conditions in Missouri. These people have to cope with a household income below the federal, country-wide established poverty line. While the line may seem like just a number, when faced with a budget that can’t cover basics such as utility bills, rent and food, it has a life-changing impact.

When you put a child into the picture as well, things can get pretty desperate. Luckily, your low income may qualify you for the numerous federal aid programs that are set up by the government, thereby giving you the means you need to lead a normal, happy life.

Free Low-Income Cell Phone Service from the Government

Lifeline is one such government benefit program set up for low-income households. Through it, you can receive a free cell phone service that varies according to the plan you choose.

That’s right, you can stop worrying about phone bills or not staying in touch with those who matter just by applying to Lifeline.

We live in an age that is relying heavily on wireless communication, whether it’s about job matters or family responsibilities. After all, you can’t just take a trip downtown every time you want to set up a meeting.

The Lifeline plan offered by a free cell phone service provider nearby can get you a free phone subscription for just this kind of situation.

Although it might not seem like much, free phone service is definitely a step forward in putting an end to Missouri’s child poverty rate and overall poverty indicator.

If nothing else, it will certainly give you a better chance at landing a job with a major employer in Missouri and make it easier to stay in touch with loved ones.

The Show Me State has 13.2 percent of statewide poverty, meaning 826,300 residents live below the federal level out of 6,000,000. The minimum wage is $7.85 an hour and Missouri ranks 19^th in food security for the nation. That translates into 14.2 percent of the population do not know where their next meal is coming from.

Nine percent do not have health coverage. Many face challenges to pay for medication, rent, food or bills each month. To live at the federal poverty level, a person has to make less than $12,490 in annual income.

For each additional person in a household, the increase is only $4,420. Poverty is only increasing in rural Missouri. Those primarily affected have been children. Poverty stunts their growth and learning capabilities. Audrain County has the highest poverty rate at 27 percent, with Randolph County coming in hot at 26 percent.

Thirty-seven percent, 2.23 million, live in rural areas. Only 14 counties are urban with 101 counties being rural. Rural counties lose five percent of their population every year. Counties closest to urban centers experience a 10 percent population increase.

Thirty-seven percent, 2.23 million, live in rural areas. Only 14 counties are urban, with 101 counties being rural. Rural counties lose five percent of their population every year. Counties closest to urban centers experience a 10 percent population increase.

Rural Missourians are disadvantages in the areas of income and education. Half of rural residents are less likely to hold a college degree. They are less healthy and more likely to die at a younger age. Even if residents have insurance, resources and transportation are scarce to health centers.

Urban counties are more racially and ethnically diverse (25 percent) than their rural counterparts (only 8 percent). One percent have limited English proficiency. Six percent are not proficient in English.

Elderly residents are more likely to live in rural areas. Missouri has more female residents (51%) than male ones (49%).

Missouri is not a heavily urbanized state. There is a multitude of state parks and nature conservancies.

Here are the ten poorest places in Missouri for 2020:

Caruthersville

Charleston

Kirksville

Poplar Bluff

Jennings

Kennett

Park Hills

Clinton

Sedalia

De Soto

Caruthersville

Population: 5,760

Median Income: $29,087  

Unemployment Rate: 15.3%  

Poverty Rate: 30.8%  

Charleston

Population: 5,704

Rank Last Year: 2  

Median Income: $30,388  

Unemployment Rate: 11.2%  

Poverty Rate: 27.6%  

Kirksville

Population: 17,483

Median Income: $28,888

Unemployment Rate: 8.0%

Poverty Rate: 34.1%

Poplar Bluff

Population: 17,107

Median Income: $29,733

Unemployment Rate: 8.8%

Poverty Rate: 26.4%

Jennings

Population: 14,794

Median Income: $32,383  

Unemployment Rate: 10.5%   

Poverty Rate: 21.0%  

Kennett

Population: 10,225

Median Income: $33,853  

Unemployment Rate: 6.9%  

Poverty Rate: 27.3%  

Park Hills

Population: 8,568

Median Income: $34,463

Unemployment Rate: 7.0%

Poverty Rate: 26.6%

Clinton

Population: 9,107

Median Income: $36,751

Unemployment Rate: 7.5%

Poverty Rate: 24.9%

Sedalia

Population: 21,642

Median Income: $37,983

Unemployment Rate: 8.7%

Poverty Rate: 21.6%

De Soto

Population: 6,390

Median Income: $38,585

Unemployment Rate: 9.6%

Poverty Rate: 21.2%

Missouri is also home to world-renowned state fairs, microbreweries and seemingly endless miles of greenery.

Missouri is also home to world-renowned state fairs, microbreweries and seemingly endless miles of greenery. The St. Louis Gateway Arch is the defining visual of the state.  Visit this great state and listen to live music in Branson, explore the Ozarks, be wowed at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art and honor the great Samuel Clemens.

You can also visit the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence. Unwind in The Ozarks. Or, enjoy an afternoon speaking with the friendliest folks in America.

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