The Brass Tap's Free Food Initiative: A Community Helping Hand

Verizon's $20 Credit: How to Redeem After the Service Outage

Update Verizon’s $20 Credit: A Small Gesture After a Major Outage On January 14, 2026, millions of Verizon customers faced a frustrating seven-hour service outage that left many without their vital connection. Reports came pouring in, with over 1.5 million users affected by the unexpected disruption. In response, Verizon has decided to offer a $20 credit as a way to somewhat acknowledge the inconvenience caused. However, customers will need to jump through a few hoops to receive it. How to Claim Your $20 Credit The credit can be claimed through the myVerizon app, where users need to look for a "Take Action" button. But as many have discovered, not all customers received a notification. If you find yourself in that situation, there are steps you can take to navigate your way through. If the button isn't visible, a useful workaround is to reach out to customer service. Clicking on "Contact Us" and utilizing the chat feature can guide you toward the credit option. Just remember not to click on any random links that might pop up and confirm the legitimacy of any communication from Verizon. Expecting a Bigger Apology? While the $20 credit is being presented as a gesture of goodwill, it has drawn its fair share of mixed reactions. Many customers have expressed disbelief at the amount, noting that such a minimal compensation hardly feels adequate for the hours of disruption. Consumer advocates echo this sentiment, arguing that automatic credits could have spared customers further hassle. The service interruptions were reportedly due to a software issue, not a cyberattack, but that has done little to soothe those affected. With a history of interruptions, some users are left wondering if this incident could have been prevented. What’s Next for Verizon Customers? As other companies begin incorporating technologies that enhance reliability and automation, Verizon faces the challenge of rebuilding trust with its customer base. For residents throughout the Triangle and beyond, this outage certainly affected connectivity and, therefore, the daily routine. With so much relying on the internet—from business meetings to family calls—the need for reliable service has never been more apparent. If you find yourself frustrated by service outages, consider discussing your experience with others at local events or community gatherings. Taking time to share feedback with your service provider or embarking on a collective voice within local advocacy groups can also pave the way for better service in the future. Stay Informed and Engaged In addition to your cell service, there are various ways to stay connected within the community—from arts exhibitions and cultural festivals to family activities in parks and recreational spaces. Embracing outdoor adventures and attending local concerts can help divert from the current frustrations and bring a bit of joy back into your daily life. Explore what the greater Triangle area has to offer to enrich your experience. So don’t forget to reclaim that $20 credit, but also take this moment to explore new aspects of your community. It might just lead you to an unexpected gem in your local area!