Cell phones have become an essential part of our everyday lives. We depend on them quite a bit. And if you need to pay your phone bill, but are short on money to do it, you’re not alone.
Thankfully, there are ways to hold onto your phone service when money problems strike. Wondering how to keep your phone on without paying the bill? Here’s a timeline for when your phone service is on the line and how to turn it back on.
If you’re having trouble paying your monthly phone bill, it can be very stressful. You can talk to family, friends, coworkers, emergency services, and more on your phone. Losing service because you haven’t paid for it can make many parts of your life worse. You do have choices, though, if you act quickly and look into the resources that are out there. You can keep your phone connected even when money is tight if you plan ahead and work hard.
Speak With Your Phone Company
If you think you might not be able to pay on time, call your phone service provider right away. Tell them straight out that you can’t pay the full amount that’s due because of money problems. A lot of carriers are willing to work with customers who are having short-term problems. Ask if they can:
- Waive any late fees
- Extend your payment due date without penalty
- Set up a more affordable payment plan over several months
- Lower your monthly bill going forward
Specifically request information on any special assistance programs available Some providers offer discounted Lifeline plans or specialized bill management for qualifying low-income households
Explore Federal Lifeline Benefits
The Lifeline program through the FCC provides reduced cost phone and internet service for those meeting low income eligibility standards. You can get up to a $9.25 credit per month toward your bill. Lifeline is available to both landline and wireless (cell phone) customers. To receive Lifeline assistance with phone bills, you must show:
- Household income at or below 135% of Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Current participation in certain government assistance programs like Medicaid, SNAP, SSI and others
Work with Lifeline providers like Verizon, T-Mobile, Assurance Wireless, and many more to get approved. This discount can make a cell phone or home phone bill a lot more affordable every month.
Search For Financial Assistance Programs
There are a lot of groups that help people in need pay their phone and utility bills. Some resources are:
- State, city and local government assistance funds
- Nonprofit agencies (United Way, Salvation Army, etc.)
- Church and faith-based charities
- Special utility company sponsored bill payment assistance programs
- Federal programs like Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Do an online search for “phone bill assistance [your city or state]” to find programs that you may qualify for based on your income, expenses, and circumstances. Even small grants of $100-200 could cover a month’s phone bill when times are very tight.
Consider a Cheaper Phone Service Plan
Evaluate ways to reduce your ongoing monthly phone bill so it aligns better with your current budget Explore cheaper available options with your provider
- Prepaid plans with no contracts
- Usage-based plans with pay-per-minute and texts
- Family plans that spread costs across multiple lines
- Basic/emergency phone services with limited features
Ask about any new customer promotions or loyalty discounts on service. Be persistent in negotiating for the lowest rate possible without unnecessary features. A $10-20 reduction in monthly cost can make your phone bill much easier to handle.
Use WiFi Calling Services
If your cell service is completely disconnected, you can utilize various WiFi calling and messaging apps to keep basic phone communication without a monthly bill. Options like WhatsApp, Signal, Google Voice and more allow you to make voice and video calls, send SMS text messages to others with the app installed – all over any WiFi network at no cost. While limiting, these apps can temporarily meet fundamental communication needs during disconnection.
Borrow Money from Family or Friends
As a last resort, don’t be afraid to ask a trusted friend or family member for temporary help paying your phone bill. Make a plan to repay the money on a fixed schedule once you’re back on your feet. Offer to sign a contract or repayment agreement. Find an amount the lender is comfortable providing – even $20 could make the difference in maintaining phone access.
Let Service Disconnect – With a Plan
If you have exhausted all options and service termination seems inevitable, minimize the disruption:
- Note reactivation fees & save up to re-establish service ASAP
- Provide an alternate contact number to your provider
- Request they don’t recycle your number quickly
- Keep phone accessible on WiFi to receive important calls/texts
- Tell critical contacts you may be without cell service for a period
Stay focused on generating funds to get your service restored. But manage the process gracefully to avoid long-term negative consequences.
Other Ways to Save Money
To free up cash flow for your phone bill, look for areas to save on monthly expenses:
- Lower utility bills by conserving electricity and water
- Cancel unused subscriptions and memberships
- Cut back discretionary spending on entertainment, clothes or dining out
- Search for cheaper insurance, cable/internet, car payments
- Reduce gas costs by walking, biking, carpooling when possible
With careful budgeting, you can likely find some extra savings to put toward your critical phone bill.
Bring in Additional Income
To supplement your current income, explore options to generate additional earnings that can pay down debts and cover monthly phone service:
- Ask your employer for overtime hours or freelance gigs
- Use your car, home, skills for side jobs like rideshare driving, AirBnB, handyman services or tutoring
- Sell any unused items on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay
- Complete online surveys, tasks or freelance work
- Apply for part-time jobs or work from home positions
Even an extra $200 per month from a side hustle can make staying current on your phone bill attainable.
Don’t Panic – Solutions Exist!
Facing an unpayable phone bill can feel overwhelming and scary. But take a deep breath – you have more options than you realize! From payment plans to federal programs to borrowing from friends, viable solutions exist to maintain this critical service. Stay proactive and determined to keep your phone connected during challenging financial times. Don’t let an unpaid bill leave you fully isolated without access to emergency services and needed contacts. Where there’s a will, there’s a way!
When Sprint Suspends Your Cell Service
With Sprint, having a late bill doesn’t always mean you immediately lose service. If you don’t make proper payment arrangements, you will more than likely incur late fees. Additionally, once your service has been disconnected for non-payment, there is a $36 reconnection fee from Sprint to restore your mobile services.
Can I Get My Service Turned Back On Without Paying?
For those who haven’t paid their cell phone bill, you will have to pay to get service back. Once you pay off your bill, be careful to enter into a new agreement you can afford each month. And if you don’t think you’ll be able to afford your bill in the foreseeable future, contact your provider before you miss a payment to ask for a way to get out of your contract before it’s too late.
Consequences of Not Paying Phone Contract – How Bad Can It Be?
FAQ
What happens if you can’t pay your phone bill?
From least to most serious, the kinds of consequences you may experience can include: Late fees. Phone, internet, or utility service disconnects or disruptions. Credit score damage.
How to pay your phone bill when you have no money?
The first option is to contact family or friends. In case they can’t help, a short-term Payday Loan might be what you need to keep your phone line, Check Into Cash’s Payday Loans and other services can help you get the cash you need quickly and easily.
How late can you be on your Verizon bill before they shut it off?
Individual line customers We have the right to send you a service disconnection notice if your payment of Verizon charges and/or charges for other companies are not received 25 days from the date of your bill.
Why can’t I pay on my phone?
Your phone doesn’t have NFC technology: To make contactless payments, NFC is required. Check if your phone supports NFC. Your phone doesn’t meet the security standards for contactless payments: Check if you: Have a rooted device.
What happens if I don’t pay my cell phone bill?
For those who haven’t paid their cell phone bill, you will have to pay to get service back. After you pay your bill, make sure you sign a new one that you can afford every month.
Do you need to pay your phone bill?
Cell phones have become an essential part of our everyday lives. We depend on them quite a bit. And if you need to pay your phone bill, but are short on money to do it, you’re not alone. Thankfully, there are ways to hold onto your phone service when money problems strike. Wondering how to keep your phone on without paying the bill?
Can I pay my cell phone bill with a credit card?
The rule of thumb is simple—paying bills with your credit card is acceptable, but make sure you cover your balance in full each month. Your best bet may be a new credit card that offers 0% APR during the initial promo period if you’re certain that you will be able to pay off your cell phone bill debt within this time.
What if you can’t afford a cell phone bill?
In today’s world, not having a phone makes life difficult. But before you sign a long-term contract, look around for cell companies that offer discounted rates. And if you can’t afford a monthly cell phone bill, find a prepaid plan that meets your needs. There are some available that cost as low as $15 a month.
Do government programs help pay cell phone bills?
Government programs help low-income families, seniors and the disabled to ensure they have some form of landline or smartphone available. There is financial help to pay cell phone bills, landlines and even internet connections from Life Line or other government benefits. Get details on phone bill assistance programs in your state below.
What if I miss a payment on my phone service?
Our suggestion: If you’re having trouble making ends meet, try a prepaid cell service provider. With these prepaid plans, you pay for a month of cell service and receive a month of cell service. There is no contract and therefore as soon as you miss a payment, your phone service is immediately ended.
