What to Do If You Can't Pay Your Phone Bill During the COVID-19 Crisis
Many folks across the country are experiencing financial hardship, applying for unemployment, and wondering how they’re going to pay their bills right now. One thing you can take solace in knowing is that most of the top cell phone companies have pledged not to suspend service and have agreed to waive late fees.
Here’s what the top cell phone companies are saying and how you can reach out to them for assistance!
What Your Cell Phone Company Is Saying Right Now
Verizon is offering to not charge late fees or terminate service for those experiencing hardships until May 13th, 2020.
To qualify, you must fill out this short form through your Verizon online portal and let them know you are experiencing financial difficulties. Once the form is submitted, you will automatically be protected from late fees and service termination through May 13, 2020!
They are also offering free international long distance calling for certain countries affected by COVID-19.
Follow this link to read more about what Verizon is doing to help, including providing no cost additional hot spots and waiving overage fees for postpaid calling plans.
T-Mobile is offering unlimited high-speed data and additional hotspot data for smartphones for the next 45 days. Head to this page for customer support and what you can do if you need more time to pay your bill.
Sprint has signed the FCC Pledge not to terminate service to those unable to pay their Sprint bill because of the coronavirus and will be waiving late fees due to the pandemic.
AT&T has also signed the pledge to not terminate service and waive late fees for those affected financially by the COVID-19 pandemic. They are also waiving overage fees for data, voice, or text. These policies are in place for the next 45 days, but are subject to change.
If you need to make a payment plan, follow this link for help!
Don’t see your company listed here? Over 500 companies have agreed to waive late fees and pledged not to terminate service for those experiencing financial hardship right now. For a full list head here.
Reach Out to Your Cell Phone Company
Many companies are offering payment plans and have teams of customer support agents ready to help! If you worried about paying your cell phone bill, reach out to your carrier and see what they can assist with. Call volume will assuredly be high, so be patient if you’re on hold. And don’t hesitate to utilize online support tools such as chat, email, and mobile!
For additional COVID-19 resources, please visit our guide here.
