Verizon has announced it will waive late fees and offer flexible payment plans for federal workers impacted by the ongoing partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The carrier made a similar offer during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing extra data at no cost. Affected workers can call Verizon at 1-800-Verizon (1-800-922-0204) to arrange their payments.

The partial DHS shutdown, now in its second month, stems from Congress's failure to pass a new funding bill. While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has furloughed workers, leading to significant airport delays, other DHS agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) remain operational due to separate funding. The impasse centers on Democratic demands for body cameras and mask removal for ICE agents, which Republicans oppose.

This Verizon offer provides immediate relief to workers facing financial strain due to the shutdown's disruption.