Calling all active-duty military, veterans, reservists, National Guard members, and Gold Star families! Are you looking to save on your Verizon wireless or Fios internet service? Verizon proudly offers discounts to those who serve, and adding this benefit to your account is a straightforward process. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step to ensure you get the savings you deserve.
Ready to start saving? Let's get your Verizon military discount applied today!
Understanding Verizon's Military Discount Program
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's briefly touch upon what the Verizon military discount entails and who is eligible.
Who Qualifies? Verizon extends its military discount to:
Active Duty U.S. Military Members: Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, Space Force.
Reservists and National Guard Members.
Veterans of all branches.
Gold Star Family Members: Spouses and immediate family of those who died while serving.
Commissioned officers of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the United States Public Health Service.
What Discounts Are Available? The discount typically applies to your monthly wireless plan access fees and can vary depending on the number of lines on your account. You can also get discounts on Fios home internet services and accessories.
Wireless Plans: For plans like Unlimited Ultimate, Unlimited Plus, and Unlimited Welcome, the discount is applied per account:
1 phone line: $10 per month account discount
2-3 phone lines: $25 per month account discount
4+ phone lines: $20 per month account discount
Other Plans: For most other advertised Verizon standard plans, you might receive up to a 15% discount on your monthly access fee (if the fee is $34.99 or higher).
Accessories: You can typically get a 25% discount on eligible accessories when ordered through My Verizon online, and a 10% discount when purchased in a Verizon store.
Fios Home Internet: Discounts range from $5/month for 300 Mbps, $10/month for 500 Mbps, and $15/month for 1 Gig or 2 Gig plans.
Important Note: Only one type of discount (e.g., military, employee, first responder, nurse, or teacher) can be applied per account. If you have an existing discount, the military discount will replace it.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility with ID.me
The primary method Verizon uses for verifying military status is through a secure third-party service called ID.me. If you don't already have an ID.me account, don't worry, it's free and easy to set up.
Sub-heading: What is ID.me?
ID.me is a digital identity network that allows you to prove your identity online, often for discounts offered to specific groups like military personnel, first responders, and students. It ensures your sensitive information remains secure.
Sub-heading: How to get started with ID.me (if you don't have an account)
Visit the Verizon Military Discount Page: Head over to the official Verizon Military Discounts page on their website. Look for the "Verify with ID.me" or "Check eligibility / Get started" button.
Create an ID.me Account: You'll be redirected to the ID.me website. Click on "Create an account" if you're a new user. You'll typically need to provide:
Your email address
A strong password
Your phone number for two-factor authentication
Begin Verification: Follow the prompts to verify your military status. ID.me will guide you through the process, which usually involves one of the following methods:
Automated Verification: This is often the quickest method. You might be asked to provide your branch of service, enlistment/discharge dates, or other identifying information that ID.me can cross-reference with official databases.
Upload a Document: If automated verification isn't possible, you'll be prompted to upload a document as proof of service. Acceptable documents include:
DD Form 214
Veteran's ID Card
Military Retiree Account Statement
Military-issued email address (.mil email)
Military pay stub (LES - Leave and Earnings Statement)
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) status report
VetRewards card from Veterans Advantage
Important Document Requirements:
Ensure your name, military branch, and date are clearly legible.
Black out any sensitive personal information like your Social Security Number, salary, or banking details.
Documents shouldn't be more than 60 days old if applicable (like a pay stub).
Never send a photocopy of your military ID or CAC (Common Access Card) directly. This is illegal.
Complete Verification: Once you've provided the necessary information, ID.me will review it. This process can be instant or may take some time if manual review of documents is required. You'll receive a confirmation once your status is verified.
Step 2: Apply the Discount to Your Verizon Account
Once your military status is successfully verified with ID.me, you'll be redirected back to the Verizon website to complete the discount application.
Sub-heading: For Existing Verizon Customers
Sign in to My Verizon: If you're an existing customer, select the "Already with Verizon" option. You'll be prompted to sign in to your My Verizon account.
Follow the Prompts: The system should automatically recognize your verified ID.me status. Follow any remaining prompts to link the discount to your existing account. You may be asked to confirm which account or lines the discount should apply to.
Confirmation Email: Verizon will send you an email confirmation once the discount has been successfully applied to your account.
Sub-heading: For New Verizon Customers
Choose Your Plan: If you're new to Verizon, select "New to Verizon" after ID.me verification.
Select an Eligible Plan: Browse and choose an eligible Verizon wireless plan or Fios home internet plan.
Apply Discount during Checkout: The system should recognize your verified military status, and the discount should be applied during the checkout process.
Complete Registration: Follow the remaining steps to set up your new Verizon account and finalize your service.
Confirmation Email: You'll receive an email confirmation from Verizon about your new service and the applied discount.
Step 3: Confirmation and Billing Cycles
Discount Application Timeline: While the discount is often applied quickly, it may take 1-2 billing cycles for it to appear on your Verizon bill. Don't be alarmed if you don't see it immediately on your very next bill.
Checking Your Bill: You can always log in to your My Verizon account online or use the My Verizon app to view your bill and confirm that the military discount has been applied.
No Annual Renewal (Typically): For military discounts, annual renewal is generally not required through ID.me, though Verizon may occasionally request revalidation. This is different from some other discounts (like corporate employee discounts) that might require more frequent re-verification.
Step 4: Troubleshooting and Assistance
Sometimes, things don't go exactly as planned. If you encounter any issues while trying to apply your military discount, here's what you can do:
Sub-heading: Common Issues and Solutions
"ID.me verification failed."
Double-check your information: Ensure all details entered match your official documents exactly.
Try a different verification method: If automated verification fails, try uploading a document.
Review document requirements: Make sure your uploaded document meets all the specified criteria (legibility, sensitive information blacked out, file type, size).
Contact ID.me Support: If you're still having trouble with the verification process, reach out to ID.me's customer support for assistance. They are experts in identity verification.
"Discount not appearing on my Verizon bill after 2 cycles."
Check your confirmation email: Did you receive a confirmation email from Verizon stating the discount was applied?
Contact Verizon Customer Service: If the discount still hasn't appeared after two billing cycles, it's time to contact Verizon's customer service directly. Explain that you've verified your military status through ID.me and the discount hasn't been applied.
Be prepared to provide details: Have your ID.me verification confirmation, account number, and details of your military service ready.
"I had another discount, and it disappeared when I added the military discount."
This is expected behavior. As mentioned earlier, Verizon typically only allows one type of discount per account. The military discount will usually supersede other discounts. If you believe the military discount offers less savings than your previous one, you'll need to decide which discount you prefer to keep.
Sub-heading: Where to find help
Verizon's Official Support Pages:
Verizon Military Discounts:
verizon.com/militarydiscount Military and Veterans - Mobile account discounts and services FAQs:
verizon.com/support/military-veterans-faqs/
ID.me Help Center: help.id.me
Contact Verizon Customer Service: You can call Verizon's customer service line or use their online chat support for direct assistance.
Visit a Verizon Retail Store: If you prefer in-person assistance, bring your military documentation (e.g., DD Form 214, Veteran's ID card, military pay stub) to a Verizon retail store. They can often help you with the verification and application process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about adding a military discount to Verizon, with quick answers:
How to check if I am eligible for Verizon's military discount?
You are eligible if you are active duty U.S. military, a veteran of any branch, a current or former Guard or Reserve member, or a Gold Star family member. Verizon partners with ID.me to verify your status.
How to sign up for ID.me for military verification?
Visit the Verizon military discount page, click the "Verify with ID.me" button, and follow the prompts to create an account and verify your military status by providing information or uploading documents like a DD Form 214 or military ID.
How to apply the military discount if I'm already a Verizon customer?
After verifying your military status through ID.me, you'll be redirected to Verizon's site. Sign in to your My Verizon account and follow the steps to link the discount to your existing service.
How to apply the military discount if I'm a new Verizon customer?
Complete the ID.me verification first. When signing up for new Verizon service online, the discount should be offered during the checkout process after your military status is verified.
How to know if my military discount has been applied to my bill?
The discount typically appears on your Verizon bill within 1-2 billing cycles after successful verification. You can check your bill in your My Verizon account online or via the My Verizon app.
How to troubleshoot if my ID.me verification fails?
Double-check the accuracy of your information, ensure uploaded documents are clear and meet requirements, and if issues persist, contact ID.me's customer support.
How to ensure my documents are secure when verifying with ID.me?
ID.me is a secure platform. When uploading documents, always black out sensitive personal information like your Social Security Number or banking details. Never send photocopies of military IDs or CAC cards.
How to get the military discount for Verizon Fios Home Internet?
Eligible military members can also receive a monthly discount on Verizon Fios. The verification process is the same as for mobile plans, using ID.me, and the discount will be applied to your Fios bill.
How to find out the specific discount amount for my Verizon plan?
The discount amount varies by the number of lines on your account for wireless plans ($10 for 1 line, $25 for 2-3 lines, $20 for 4+ lines on eligible unlimited plans) and by speed for Fios internet. Refer to Verizon's military discount page or your My Verizon account for details specific to your plan.
How to contact Verizon customer service for military discount issues?
You can call Verizon's general customer service line, use their online chat support, or visit a local Verizon retail store for assistance with applying or troubleshooting your military discount.