Verizon offers a discount program called Verizon Forward for customers 55 and older

Verizon Forward reduces your monthly bill if you are 55 or older and meet income limits. The discount applies to phone service, internet, or both, depending on what you use. You do not need to be a current Verizon customer to start — you can switch from another carrier and receive the discount from your first bill.

The program is not automatic. You have to contact Verizon directly and provide proof of age and household income. The income threshold varies by state and household size, but generally sits around 200% of the federal poverty line. Verizon publishes the exact limits for your state on their website, or you can call and ask before you provide any documents.

The discount amount is not a fixed percentage. It depends on which services you choose and your location. Some customers see $10 to $20 off their monthly bill; others see more. The best way to know what you would pay is to call Verizon's senior line or visit a store with your income information ready.

Key Takeaways

  • Verizon Forward requires you to be 55 or older and meet income limits that vary by state and household size.
  • You must contact Verizon directly by phone or in person to enroll — the discount does not set up on its own.
  • You will need to show proof of age (driver's license, passport, or birth certificate) and proof of household income (tax return, Social Security statement, or recent pay stub).
  • The discount amount varies by location and service type, so ask Verizon for a specific quote before you commit.

How to enroll in Verizon Forward

Call Verizon's senior customer service line at 1-800-922-0204. This line is staffed during business hours and routes you to representatives trained on the Verizon Forward program. Have your age and household income information ready when you call. The representative will tell you whether you meet the income threshold for your state and what discount amount you would receive.

If you prefer to enroll in person, visit a Verizon store in your area. Bring a photo ID showing your age and a document showing your household income — a recent tax return, Social Security statement, or pay stub all work. Store staff can walk you through the enrollment process and show you the exact services and prices available to you.

After you enroll, the discount applies to your next billing cycle. If you are switching from another carrier, Verizon can port your phone number during the enrollment call or visit, so you do not lose service or your existing number.

What documents you need to bring

Verizon requires two pieces of information: proof of age and proof of household income. For age, bring a driver's license, passport, or birth certificate. For income, bring one of the following: a recent federal tax return (last two years), a Social Security statement, a pension statement, or a recent pay stub.

If your household income comes from multiple sources — for example, Social Security plus a part-time job — bring documentation for all sources. Verizon adds them together to determine whether you meet the income limit. If you are unsure which documents to bring, call the senior line first and ask; they can tell you exactly what will work.

Income limits by household size

Income limits for Verizon Forward are set at roughly 200% of the federal poverty line, but the exact amount depends on your state and household size. A single person in most states has a higher income limit than a household of four. Verizon publishes these limits on their website, or you can call 1-800-922-0204 and ask for the limit that applies to you.

The limits change each year when the federal poverty line is updated, usually in January. If you were enrolled last year and your income has not changed, you do not need to re-verify — Verizon will keep you on the program. If your income increases above the limit, you will lose the discount, and Verizon will notify you before that happens.

What services are included in the discount

Verizon Forward covers wireless phone plans, home internet (Fios or 5G Home), or both. You can choose which services you want discounted. If you use only wireless, you get a discount on your phone bill. If you use only internet, you get a discount on your internet bill. If you use both, both are discounted.

The discount does not cover equipment costs, such as a new phone or router. It applies only to your monthly service charges. If you need a new phone, Verizon may offer other promotions or payment plans, but those are separate from the Verizon Forward discount.

Other ways to lower your Verizon bill

If you do not meet the income limit for Verizon Forward, other discounts may be available. Some employers offer group discounts on Verizon service — ask your employer's benefits office. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or certain other government benefits, you may be able to enroll in the Lifeline program, which is a federal discount run through Verizon and other carriers.

You can also lower your bill by choosing a less expensive plan. Verizon offers prepaid phone plans that may cost less than postpaid plans if you use little data or make few calls. Ask the senior line representative to compare your current plan against prepaid options to see if you would save money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a Verizon customer already to get the discount?

No. You can switch to Verizon from another carrier and receive the Verizon Forward discount from your first bill. During enrollment, Verizon can port your existing phone number so you do not lose service or change your number.

What if my income is just above the limit?

Income limits are firm — Verizon does not make exceptions. If you are above the limit, you do not meet the requirement for Verizon Forward. Ask the representative whether you might be able to enroll in Lifeline instead, which has different income rules and is run by the federal government through Verizon.

Can I keep the discount if my income increases?

No. If your income rises above the limit, you will lose the discount. Verizon will notify you before removing it so you have time to decide whether to switch to a different plan. Your service will not be interrupted — only the discount will end.

How long does it take to get the discount after I enroll?

The discount applies to your next billing cycle after enrollment, which is usually within a few days to a week. If you enroll in person at a store, it may explore even faster. Ask the representative for the exact date when you will see the discount on your bill.

Can I enroll over the phone, or do I have to go to a store?

You can enroll either way. Call 1-800-922-0204 to enroll by phone, or visit a Verizon store in person. Both routes require the same documents and take about the same amount of time. Choose whichever is easier for you.