How to Claim $20 Verizon Outage Credit January 2026 myVerizon App :
Have you ever woken up to find your phone stuck in SOS mode, unable to call, text, or scroll through your feed? That’s exactly what happened to millions of Verizon customers on January 14, 2026, during a massive nationwide outage that lasted over 10 hours. Frustrating, right? The good news is Verizon stepped up with a $20 account credit as a gesture of goodwill. But here’s the catch: it’s not automatically applied—you need to take action. If you’re wondering how to claim $20 Verizon outage credit January 2026 myVerizon app, you’re in the right place. This guide walks you through everything step by step, so you can get that credit on your bill without the headache.
What Caused the Major Verizon Outage in January 2026?
Picture this: It’s a regular Wednesday, and suddenly your phone shows no bars, calls drop, texts won’t send, and mobile data vanishes. That’s the reality for over 1.5 to 2 million Verizon users on January 14, 2026. Reports flooded in from major cities like New York, Atlanta, Houston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and more, with many devices stuck in emergency “SOS” mode. The outage disrupted everything from work calls to emergency access, prompting alerts from city officials in places like NYC to use landlines or other carriers for 911.
Verizon later confirmed it was due to a software issue (no cyberattack involved), and the company apologized profusely, saying they “did not meet the standard of excellence” customers expect. Service was fully restored late that evening, but the damage was done—and the frustration was real.
Why Verizon Is Offering the $20 Outage Credit
Verizon didn’t just say sorry; they put their money where their mouth is. In statements across their website and social media, they announced a $20 account credit for affected customers. They described it as covering “multiple days of service” on average—a small but meaningful acknowledgment of the inconvenience. As one Verizon rep put it, “No credit really can” fully make up for it, but it’s a way to show they value your time.
This isn’t automatic, though. Unlike some past credits that just show up, you must actively claim how to claim $20 Verizon outage credit January 2026 myVerizon app. Eligible users (those whose lines were impacted) will get a text notification when the option appears.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Claim $20 Verizon Outage Credit January 2026 myVerizon App
Ready to grab your credit? Here’s the straightforward process for how to claim $20 Verizon outage credit January 2026 myVerizon app:
- Download or Open the myVerizon App – Make sure you have the latest version from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Log in with your Verizon account credentials.
- Wait for the Notification – Verizon sends a text message when the credit is ready. This started rolling out on January 15, 2026. Check your messages regularly!
- Look for the Banner or Prompt – Once available, you’ll see a prominent banner, alert, or section in the app (often at the top of the home screen) saying something like “Claim Your $20 Credit” or referencing the outage.
- Accept the Credit – Tap the option to redeem or accept. It should apply as a bill credit to your account—pretty simple!
- Check Your Account – After accepting, head to the billing section to confirm the $20 shows up (it may take a billing cycle to reflect).
Pro tip: If the prompt doesn’t appear right away, try restarting the app or your phone. Some users reported delays, but patience usually pays off.
Alternative Ways to Claim If the App Isn’t Working
Not everyone loves apps, and that’s okay. If you’re having trouble with how to claim $20 Verizon outage credit January 2026 myVerizon app, you can reach out directly:
- Call Verizon customer support at 1-800-922-0204.
- Use online chat through the Verizon website.
- Visit a Verizon store (though phone/chat is faster).
Verizon has confirmed these channels work for claiming the credit too. Just mention the January 2026 outage.

Who Qualifies for the $20 Credit?
Verizon uses their systems to identify impacted lines, so if your service was down during the outage, you’re likely eligible. This includes postpaid wireless customers; business accounts may be handled separately. Prepaid or certain plans might vary—check with support if unsure.
Tips to Avoid Missing Out on Your Credit
Don’t let that $20 slip away! Here are some quick tips:
- Keep your phone notifications on for texts from Verizon.
- Update the myVerizon app immediately.
- Monitor your bill in the coming weeks.
- If nothing shows up after a week or two, contact support—better safe than sorry.
Think of this credit like a consolation prize after a bad day—small, but it helps ease the sting.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Some folks hit snags: the banner appears but won’t click, or no text arrives. Restart your device, clear the app cache, or try on Wi-Fi. If issues persist, customer service can manually apply it.
Conclusion
The January 2026 Verizon outage was a tough reminder of how much we rely on reliable cell service, but Verizon’s quick resolution and the $20 credit show they’re committed to making things right. By following this guide on how to claim $20 Verizon outage credit January 2026 myVerizon app, you can secure your credit easily and get back to normal. Don’t wait—check your app today, accept the offer, and enjoy that little discount on your next bill. You’ve earned it after that frustrating day!
FAQ :
1. How do I know if I’m eligible for the $20 credit?
Verizon identifies affected accounts automatically. If you experienced service issues on January 14, 2026, you’ll get a text about how to claim $20 Verizon outage credit January 2026 myVerizon app.
2. What if I don’t receive a text notification?
It may take time to roll out. Check the myVerizon app directly for the claim option. If still nothing, contact support.
3. Can I claim the credit without the myVerizon app?
Yes! Call customer service, use online chat, or visit a store to request it.
4. When will the $20 credit appear on my bill?
It usually applies within one or two billing cycles after you accept via how to claim $20 Verizon outage credit January 2026 myVerizon app.
5. Is this credit only for postpaid customers?
Primarily yes, but confirm with Verizon. Business accounts are contacted separately.