UPDATES COMING TO STATE’S NSTEP PROGRAM
Deb Collins
Lincoln, May 15, 2024- Beginning in July, qualified individuals receiving assistance from the Nebraska Specialized Telecommunications Equipment Program (NSTEP) will notice some updates to the program as a result of legislation (LB 1031) passed during the 2024 legislative session.
Administered by the Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC), NSTEP assists qualifiedindividuals who are deaf, have visual/hearing loss, or a speech disability obtain specializedtelecommunications equipment.“The NSTEP program helps to provide the deaf, hard of hearing and visually impairedcommunity access to telecommunication devices essential for their everyday lives,” saidCommission Chair Dan Watermeier. “We want to thank everyone who worked to help makethis process even more accessible to those in need of these services.”
“NCDDH is proud to have collaborated with the PSC since the establishment of NSTEP,”NCDHH Lead Advocacy Specialists, Kim Davis said. “The updates to the NSTEP program are a positive and necessary step in adapting to the constant evolvement of telecommunication devices and equipment.”
The new law updates the eligibility standards and criteria to allow two qualified residents living at the same address to receive telecommunications equipment. Previously only one resident per household was allowed to receive assistance. It also allows a recipient of telecommunications equipment to reapply for NSTEP assistance every three years instead of every five years.
To be eligible to receive a wireless device (cellphone) or other qualified telecommunicationequipment as a part of NSTEP, residents must complete an application, including a certificationby a professional that the applicant is deaf, hard of hearing, or has speech impairment.
Once deemed eligible, applicants will receive a voucher that they can take to a participatingvendor. The voucher will cover the cost of the equipment up to $1,000. Participants areresponsible for any monthly fees associated with the device, including a required data plan,if applicable.
Information on NSTEP and how residents can qualify for a voucher to be used toward the cost of a mobile wireless device or to apply for other telecommunications equipment can be found on the For Consumer TRS/NSTEP page of the PSC website or the NSTEP page of the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NCDDH) website
