Verizon is offering flexible payment arrangements to federal workers, military and first responders impacted by the government shutdown, the company said in a blog post Tuesday. Their bills won't be forgiven or discounted, but Verizon won't shut off their service. The government shutdown has now gone on for 14 days, with no end in sight.
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Verizon CEO Dan Schulman said in the post: "The ongoing federal government shutdown may create financial difficulties for members of the U.S. military, Coast Guard, federal employees and first responders. If federal employees need relief during the shutdown, they can reach out to us and we will keep them connected."
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As the shutdown approaches its third week, furloughed workers face the prospect of missing their first paycheck on Wednesday, forcing some to make hard choices about which bills to pay. Some food banks are preparing for a surge in visits.
Verizon customers can call 1-800-VERIZON to find out about the options.
"We understand there's a need out there," Verizon representative Rich Young said in a phone call with CNET. "We've already had Verizon customers who've written and called us asking if we have any assistance during this period."
Young estimated that 1.5 million eligible employees, government workers, federal first responders and up to 4 million military members may be eligible for the flexible payment arrangement.
Young said the company does not want customers to lose service during this period. Verizon is willing to delay payments, put customers on a payment plan or work with them during this period.Â
Verizon customers who are federal workers, military personnel and first responders impacted by the shutdown should call 1-800-VERIZON for assistance. Customers will need to verify federal or military employment. Currently, the company has no plans to cut off the program and will keep it going for as long as the shutdown lasts.