Verizon credit for outage: Here's how to claim your Verizon outage credit after massive widespread outage

Verizon credit: Verizon customers across the United States were left frustrated after a major network outage knocked out service for hours. The disruption, which stretched up to 10 hours for some users, triggered widespread backlash online. In response, Verizon has confirmed it will issue a $20 account credit to affected customers. While the credit offers some relief, questions about what caused the outage remain unanswered.


ALSO READ: Word of the Day: Limerence

What happened during the Verizon outage?

The Verizon wireless network outage began around 12:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Jan. 14 and lasted for much of the day. According to Downdetector, more than 1.5 million customers were impacted nationwide. Reports showed the highest concentrations of service issues in major cities including New York City, Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Brooklyn, Dallas, and Philadelphia, as per a report by USA Today.

Roughly 60% of complaints were tied to mobile phone service, followed by loss of signal and mobile internet disruptions. Customers reported being unable to make calls, send texts, or access data for hours, with some users experiencing outages lasting close to 10 hours.

ALSO READ: Stunned silence as Trump mocks Joe Biden’s cancer, leaving crowd visibly uncomfortable

Why is Verizon offering a $20 credit?

Verizon confirmed it will provide a $20 account credit to customers affected by the outage. In a statement to Fortune, a Verizon spokesperson acknowledged the disruption and apologized, saying, “Yesterday, we did not meet the standard of excellence our customers expect and that we expect of ourselves."

The company emphasized that the Verizon outage credit is not intended to fully compensate customers for the disruption. Verizon stated that “no credit really can” make up for the outage, but added that, on average, the $20 credit covers multiple days of service, as per a report by Fortune.

ALSO READ: What is the Insurrection Act that Trump threatens to use on Minnesota? Everything explained

How can customers claim the Verizon $20 credit?

Customers eligible for the Verizon credit for outage can redeem it through the MyVerizon mobile app. Verizon said affected users will receive a text message when the credit is ready to be applied. Business customers will be contacted directly by Verizon regarding credits related to the outage, as per a report by Fortune.

Why are customers still upset?

Despite the apology and the Verizon $20 credit, many customers remain frustrated. Verizon has not explained whether the outage was caused by a technical failure or a broader systems issue, leading to speculation online.

One widely shared post on X showed a user threatening to cancel their Verizon plan entirely, writing, “[T]hey can have this phone back.” The post surpassed 1 million views. Rival carriers quickly responded, with AT&T replying directly to promote its wireless free-trial program. The original poster later asked for help switching plans.

The outage also comes just months after Verizon announced the largest layoffs in its history. In November 2025, the company revealed plans to cut roughly 15,000 jobs as part of a restructuring effort. Verizon CEO Dan Schulman said at the time the cuts were aimed at reducing “complexity and friction that slow us down and frustrate our customers.”

ALSO READ: Thousands pull out of 2026 FIFA World Cup — 17,000 ticket cancellations linked to US politics

FAQs

Who qualifies for the Verizon outage credit?

Customers affected by the Jan. 14 service outage will receive a $20 credit through the MyVerizon app.



Does the $20 credit fully compensate customers?

No. Verizon said the credit is not full compensation, noting that “no credit really can” make up for the outage.