Verizon Expands Medical Debt Relief Program for Veterans

Verizon has recently announced it is elevating the company’s commitment to support military veterans by pledging an additional $22 million in medical debt relief through an ongoing partnership with ForgiveCo.

This public benefit corporation provides business advisory services to corporations, nonprofits, and brands, focusing on the acquisition, administration, and cancellation of consumer debt. The alliance ensures this program will be extended through 2026.

Since its launch in 2024, the collaboration has provided an average of over $800 in relief per person, erasing millions of dollars in medical debt that disproportionately affects veterans transitioning to civilian life and seeking care. By alleviating this burden, the program seeks to offer a pathway to enhanced financial stability for those who have served the nation.

Verizon has aligned with prominent sports franchises, including the Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers, St. Louis Blues, and Team Penske, to promote awareness of the debt relief initiative and extend its impact in local communities.

For example, the partnership has already erased close to $9 million in medical debt for over 6,000 veterans throughout the Great Lakes market.

As part of its expanded commitment, Verizon recently announced a new alliance with the Columbus Crew professional soccer team. Through this alliance, Verizon will provide an initial $500,000 in debt relief, with an additional $100,000 for every win or draw for the remainder of the 2025 season, up to an additional $500,000.

“Verizon’s $22 million commitment sends a powerful message to our veterans: that their service, sacrifice, and legacy will always be honored,” said Erik Antico, President of ForgiveCo. “When companies lead with purpose and connect that purpose to the cultural and community impact of sports, the results are both transformative and lasting.”

Veterans impacted and eligible for these relief efforts will be contacted directly by ForgiveCo; no application or enrollment is required.

Verizon has been recognized as a Military Friendly® company for the past seven years and employs thousands of veterans nationwide.

The company’s commitment to the military community extends beyond employment and debt relief, including working directly with the Department of Veterans Affairs to supply VA medical centers with critical communications and offering specialized resources for veteran-owned small businesses.

It is one of several mobile and home internet providers that offer special discounts for veterans.

Military and Veteran Discounts for Cell Phone Service

Here are some general things to keep in mind if you’re looking for a cell phone provider military discount.

Multiple Line Discounts. Most cell phone companies offer discounts to active-duty personnel, Guard and Reserve personnel, Veterans, and retirees. Discounts are typically only available to the servicemember, but carriers may offer discounts for multiple lines as long as the service member’s name is listed as the primary account holder.

Proof of Military Service. ID or proof of service is required. Many companies will approve discounts via email with a .mil or .gov email address. Otherwise, you may need a military ID card, Veterans ID Card, VA-issued ID Health Card, driver’s license with a veterans designation, or a DD Form 214.

Service or Contract Agreements. Some cell phone carriers may require a 2-year contract when you sign up for their service. Be sure to read the complete terms before you sign a contract. Also note that some carriers, such as T-Mobile, may be willing to pay early termination fees from another carrier if you switch to them. It may take one to two payment cycles for your discount to be applied.

Ask for the Discount. Ask for a manager if a customer service rep doesn’t give you a discount. Some employees may not be aware of the discounts, or may not have the authorization to grant them.

Compare Offers. Don’t assume the company you have been with for years or the popular cell phone provider in your region has the best deals. Do your homework to see which deal is best for your current needs. Some people may be better off with a family plan, while others may benefit more from a prepaid or pay-as-you-go cell phone plan.

Here’s a quick look at current discounts and offers from popular carriers that are available to veterans. If you don’t see your current provider listed, please contact them directly or visit their website to explore available offers.

Verizon Wireless Military Discounts

Verizon offers mobile plans with their military discount starting at $25/line per month. This includes up to four lines on the Unlimited, Play More Unlimited, Do More Unlimited, and Get More Unlimited plans, provided you use auto pay and paper-free billing. It can be used for personal lines.

Fios 300 Mbps data plan discounts starting at $30/month are available when you bundle them with a mobile phone plan and enroll in auto pay.

You may also be eligible for discounts of up to 25% off on Verizon-branded accessories. 

To get the Verizon military discount:

• Eligibility: Active Duty, Guard, Reserves, Retirees, Veterans, and Gold Star family members.
• Visit the store in person: Bring your military ID, retiree card, DD Form 214, or another official ID that shows proof of service.
• Existing customers can apply for the discount online. To do so, submit a copy of your pay stub, employee ID card, Veterans ID Card, or DD Form 214. Do not send a copy of your military ID.

To see current discounts, pricing, and complete terms and conditions, visit the Verizon Wireless website for details.

AT&T Military and Veteran Discounts

AT&T offers military members a 25% discount on the provider’s best unlimited plans.

Proof of eligibility is required, and it may take up to three billing cycles for the credit to be applied. Additional charges, usage fees, speed limitations, and other restrictions apply. Additionally, AT&T may temporarily reduce data speeds if the network is congested.

Go here to see if you qualify by submitting your information to AT&T, or call customer service at 866-573-1253 to speak to an AT&T expert.

• Active-duty members can verify their service eligibility by using their .mil email address. Guard/Reserves can use their .mil email address or visit a local store or participating dealer.
• Veterans can bring their Department of Defense Form DD214 indicating an honorable discharge, a valid retired military ID, a veteran-designated driver’s license, Veterans ID Card, Veteran Health Insurance card, or a current AMVETS membership card, which are also acceptable.
• Spouses of active duty or deceased military service personnel will need to provide a valid Department of Defense sponsorship card.

The name you use to qualify for the program should be the name on your account or, if you’re a new customer, the same name you’ll use to create your new account.

AT&T also has various discounts on fiber in areas it serves. Be sure to ask if you can get a bundled discount when you contact them.

T-Mobile Military and Veterans Discounts

New customers save $5 per line monthly under the provider’s Experience plans. The discount applies to up to five lines.

When you enroll in AutoPay using your debit card or bank account, you qualify for an additional $5 per line monthly discount up to $40, which begins in the next bill cycle after enrollment. You must maintain a valid military line, or you will incur an additional cost of up to $20/line per month.

Eligible individuals include those serving on active duty, Guard/Reserve, retirees, veterans, and family members. Veteran-owned small businesses are also eligible for up to 12 lines. 

Proof of service is required to obtain a discount. You can apply online or visit a T-Mobile retail store, and one of the retail experts will guide you through the process.

All plans include:

• Unlimited 5G & 4G LTE data 1
• Unlimited talk & text
• Nationwide 5G coverage 2
• Exclusive perks with T-Mobile Tuesdays
• Dedicated customer care

The Experience Beyond plan is T-Mobile’s premium plan, which includes the following benefits.

• 5-Year Price Guarantee
• Upgrade-ready every year
• T-Satellite included
• Unlimited premium data
• Netflix™ Standard with ads ON US
• Apple TV+ ON US
• Hulu ON US
• Watch & tablet lines just $5/month
• Unlimited mobile hotspot included
• Unlimited text, 30GB of high-speed data in Canada & Mexico
• Unlimited text, 15GB of high-speed data in 215+ countries & destinations
• Full-flight texting and Wi-Fi with streaming where available

Go here to see the benefits of various T-Mobile plans that offer a military discount.

U.S. Cellular Military Discounts

U.S. Cellular is now a part of T-Mobile and offers a 15% discount to all active duty and veteran service members on all plans. This discount is applied to single line and/or family plans. Discounts appear on your billing statement within one to two billing periods.

You will need to show a documented military affiliation to qualify, which you can submit here.

U.S. Cellular also offers a data-only plan for tablets, which does not include a phone line.

Customers with a data-only plan can claim the 15% military discount on the plan’s monthly data allotment. The discount will not apply to data overages.

To receive the discount: Call 1-888-944-9400 or 611 from your U.S. Cellular phone, or visit the U.S. Cellular website.