Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Verizon announced a $20 account credit for customers affected by its nationwide wireless outage on January 14, 2026. That was a specific offer—not a standing promise to pay $20 after every outage. As of August 18, 2026, no new $20 credit for an outage happening today is verified here. To check for the January offer safely, open the myVerizon app yourself rather than following a link in a text.
Which Verizon outage did the $20 credit cover?
The confirmed offer followed Verizon’s nationwide wireless outage on January 14, 2026. Verizon said service was restored at approximately 10:15 p.m. ET. Calling, texting and mobile data were disrupted for many customers; some phones showed “SOS” or lost network registration. The FCC later described an outage that lasted at least 10 hours and affected millions of customers, and opened an investigation into its effects on consumers, public-safety entities and 911 calling.
Verizon’s announcement described a $20 account credit for affected customers. It did not establish a general credit for every later disruption. Separate coverage reported a Verizon voice-service incident on August 8, 2026, but the cited sources do not establish that the January $20 offer applied to that event. Verizon’s outage announcement; FCC notice; TechRadar’s report on the August 8 incident.
Who was eligible?
Verizon’s public wording was “customers affected by the outage.” The announcement did not give a detailed eligibility formula, such as a minimum outage duration, a list of ZIP codes or a per-line calculation. It also said customers would receive a text when the credit became available, and that small-business customers would be contacted directly.
#1 Best Overall
- Verizon Prepaid $40 Pin Code (not for Postpaid Verizon service)
- Pay and use as you go. No added fees, No annual Contract
- Do not assume every Verizon subscriber qualified; Verizon described the offer as applying to affected customers.
- The announcement calls it a $20 account credit, not $20 for each phone line. Secondary reporting and customer discussions described it as generally account-level, but that should not be treated as a universal per-line rule. See Tom’s Guide’s outage coverage and PCWorld’s explanation.
- The cited announcement does not establish eligibility for prepaid service, Fios or every type of business service. Verizon said small-business customers would be contacted directly.
How to check for and claim the credit
Verizon said customers should sign in to myVerizon and accept the offer. The exact prompt or button name may vary by account and app version; the company’s announcement does not guarantee one menu path for everyone.
- Open the myVerizon app from your phone’s installed apps, or type Verizon’s website address into your browser yourself.
- Sign in to the Verizon account associated with the affected service. If you are on a family plan, check the primary account rather than only a secondary line profile.
- Look for an outage-credit notice or an offer to take action, redeem or accept the credit.
- Review the offer and accept it if it appears and you want to claim it.
- Save the confirmation screen or message, then check a later bill or account balance to see whether the credit posted.
Accepting the offer and seeing it on a bill are separate steps. Verizon’s announcement confirms the need to accept it; it does not specify a universal posting date. Verizon’s announcement set out the sign-in and acceptance process. WCVB also reported that customers had to take action rather than wait for an automatic adjustment: WCVB’s explainer.
Rank #2
![Total by Verizon $50 Unlimited Plan+10GB Hotspot+Int.Call[Physical Delivery]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Z2BbqQhlL._SL160_.jpg)
- Get unlimited talk, text & high-speed data (1) plus 10 GB of hotspot data (3) and enjoy coverage on Verizon’s 5G Network (2) with the Total by Verizon Unlimited Plan.
- Stay in touch with your people abroad with international talk & text to 5 countries of your choice (4). Screen and automatically block incoming spam calls with Total Spam Filter.
- Continue, upgrade, or stop service easily at any time with a monthly single device plan. Disney+ Premium (No Ads) for 6 months on us (5).
- This plan is compatible with most Total by Verizon prepaid phones, a lineup of the latest and greatest devices including 5G smartphones.
- Physical card.
How to verify a text without risking your account
A message mentioning Verizon and $20 is not proof that the sender or link is legitimate. Even a Verizon-looking domain can be imitated or disguised. Don’t use the link as your way to verify the offer: open myVerizon directly or enter Verizon’s website manually, then see whether the offer appears after you sign in.
- Do not enter your password, payment-card details, a one-time verification code or Social Security number into a form opened from an unsolicited text.
- Be wary of unusual or shortened links, spelling errors, pressure to act immediately, threats of disconnection or requests for payment.
- If the offer is not visible in your account, contact Verizon through an official support channel instead of replying to the message.
For context on the text and scam concerns, see WCVB and PCWorld.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- Carrier: This SIM Kit is for the Verizon Prepaid network. It allows you to activate a compatible, unlocked phone on Verizon Prepaid. A Verizon Prepaid plan is required for activation. Activating is easy, upon receipt go to the Verizon Prepaid Website and select “Activate” and follow the prompts.
- KEEP YOUR PHONE, SWITCH YOUR PLAN – Love your current smartphone? Bring your own compatible, unlocked device to Verizon and get all the benefits of a great network without buying a new phone. This kit is compatible with most unlocked iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones, Google Pixels, and other 4G LTE/5G smartphones.
- AMERICA'S MOST RELIABLE NETWORK – Get access to Verizon’s award-winning, dependable nationwide 4G LTE and 5G networks. Enjoy fast downloads, reliable streaming, and crystal-clear calls on the network more people count on.
- UNIVERSAL 3-IN-1 SIM CARD – No need to guess which SIM size you need. This kit includes a single card with pre-cut pop-outs for Standard, Micro, and Nano SIM sizes to fit any compatible device. Simply punch out the size your phone requires and insert it to get started.
- NO CONTRACTS, NO CREDIT CHECKS – Enjoy the freedom of prepaid. Choose from a variety of monthly plans with no annual contracts, no activation fees, and no credit checks. You're in control of your wireless service, with the flexibility to change your plan as your needs change.
What to do if the offer is missing
The offer may not appear for every account, and customer reports described difficulty locating or receiving it. Verizon’s public announcement does not promise that support will approve every request. Try these checks, then ask Verizon to review your specific account.
- Make sure you are signed in to the primary Verizon account, not just a profile for a secondary line.
- Update or restart the myVerizon app, then sign out and back in.
- Check your account on Verizon’s website as well as in the app, and review account notifications and recent messages.
- Contact Verizon through an official support channel and ask specifically about the January 14, 2026 outage credit.
- Have the affected phone number and account information ready, and keep any Verizon text, screenshots or confirmation records that may help support review the account.
Verizon community support responses point customers who cannot find the offer to official support for account-specific help; they do not establish a guaranteed outcome. See this community discussion and this discussion about the January credit. If your phone still has service problems, Verizon advised affected customers to restart their devices; that troubleshooting step does not establish credit eligibility.
Rank #4
- Get unlimited talk, text & data (1) plus 20 GB of hotspot data (3) and $10 International Calling Credit (7) and enjoy coverage on Verizon 5G Ultra-Wideband (2) with the Total by Verizon Unlimited+ Plan.
- Stay in touch with your people abroad with international talk & text to 5 countries of your choice (4), and call home on your travels with international roaming in Canada & Mexico (6). Screen and automatically block incoming spam calls with Total Spam Filter.
- Continue, upgrade, or stop service easily at any time with a monthly single device plan. Disney Premium+ (No Ads) on us (5).
- This plan is compatible with most Total by Verizon prepaid phones, a lineup of the latest and greatest devices including 5G smartphones.
- Physical card.
How this differs from Verizon’s general outage-credit policy
The special $20 offer and Verizon’s general wireless outage guidance are different. Verizon’s FAQ says customers with a standard monthly mobile plan who lose service in their coverage area for more than 24 consecutive hours, when Verizon is at fault, should contact Verizon within 180 days to request a credit for the lost service. That is a request under the general policy, not an automatic $20 payment. The FAQ does not establish that the same terms apply to prepaid, Fios, business or enterprise service, which may have different arrangements. Check Verizon’s wireless outage FAQ for its terms.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
