Verizon outage credit: how the $20 bill relief works after the January 14 service disruption

Verizon is offering a $20 account credit to customers affected by the January 14, 2026 nationwide outage that left many phones stuck in “SOS” mode and interrupted calls, texts, and data for hours. The company framed the credit as a goodwill gesture that acknowledges the disruption; service has since been restored, though some users needed to restart devices to fully reconnect.

Who can get the Verizon outage credit

The credit is aimed at customers impacted by Wednesday’s outage, which spiked around midday Eastern Time and was largely resolved that evening. Verizon is notifying eligible accounts directly and enabling redemption inside the myVerizon app. If you didn’t experience an interruption, you may not receive a notification or see the credit option.

Key points at a glance:

• Amount: $20 per impacted account (not per line).

• Type: Account bill credit (applies to the next bill or balance rather than cash).

• Availability: Released by Verizon in waves; you’ll be prompted when it’s ready for your account.

• Who qualifies: Accounts Verizon flags as affected during the outage window.

How to claim the $20 credit in the myVerizon app

Once your account is flagged, Verizon will send a text or in-app prompt. If you’ve been notified, follow these steps:

1. Open myVerizon (latest version recommended).

2. Log in as the Account Owner or Manager.

3. Look for a banner or tile referencing the outage credit; tap to redeem.

4. Confirm the selection and check your bill details or balance to ensure it’s applied.

If you haven’t received a prompt:

• Make sure notifications are allowed for myVerizon.

• Force-quit and relaunch the app, or sign out/in.

• Restart your phone (many devices needed a reboot after the network came back online).

• If the credit still doesn’t appear after 24–48 hours, contact Verizon support through chat or by calling from another line and ask about outage eligibility for your account.

Does the Verizon outage credit apply to prepaid and business accounts?

Verizon is prioritizing impacted consumer accounts and rolling out credits in stages. Some prepaid and small-business customers also reported receiving notices, but eligibility may vary by plan type and whether the account was actively disrupted. If you manage a business or prepaid line that experienced the outage, check for the app prompt or reach out to support to have your usage and connection status reviewed.

Will $20 fully cover the disruption?

No. Verizon has characterized the $20 as a goodwill acknowledgment, not full compensation. Carriers typically calculate bill relief in flat amounts rather than pro-rating by the hour, especially when the interruption spans part of a day and exact impact differs by market and device. For heavy users who rely on mobile connectivity for work or safety, the gesture may feel modest; for lighter users, it could approximate a few days of service value.

Timeline: what happened on January 14

• Late morning to midday ET: Outage reports surge nationwide. Many users see “SOS” or “SOS only” where signal bars appear.

• Afternoon to evening: Service restoration progresses; some subscribers regain calls and texts earlier than data.

• Evening and next morning: Residual issues clear as devices reconnect; restarting phones resolves lingering problems for many.

• Following day: Verizon apologizes publicly and begins preparing the $20 credit rollout to impacted accounts via the myVerizon app.

Common questions about the Verizon outage credit

Is the credit automatic?
Not universally. Many customers must redeem it after receiving a text or in-app alert.

Can multiple lines on one account each claim $20?
The offer is per account. Multi-line accounts typically receive a single $20 credit.

What if I was roaming or using Wi-Fi calling?
If Verizon’s systems still show your line as affected during the outage window, you may be eligible. Check the app prompt or contact support.

How will I see the credit on my bill?
Look under “Adjustments/Credits” on your next statement or in the Billing section of myVerizon.

Is the cause known?
Verizon has referenced a network issue under investigation; details have not been fully disclosed at the time of writing.

Tips to avoid future headaches during outages

• Enable Wi-Fi calling on compatible phones so calls can route over Wi-Fi when cellular is down.

• Keep critical contacts available offline (notes or screenshots), and store transit/boarding passes locally.

• Consider a backup connectivity plan (secondary eSIM, hotspot at home, or public Wi-Fi options you trust).

• For work-critical lines, discuss redundancy with your employer or IT manager (dual-SIM, device loans, or failover routers).

If your Verizon service went dark on January 14, watch for a text or in-app notice and redeem the $20 outage credit in myVerizon. If you believe you were affected but haven’t been prompted, reboot your device, refresh the app, and then contact support to have your account reviewed.