Why doesn't Verizon allow retirees from state employment to continue to receive discounts?

I worked for the state of Texas for 25 years. I am now disabled but being paid by the State of Texas' Employee Retirement System as a continuing "disabled employee". Verizon (customer service) doesn't recognize this as a valid form of state employment; therefore I am losing my discount. WHY? It seems contradictory that a continuing employee - or retiree from employment should continue to receive benefits. If not through state employment; why not as a disabled person? I just think Verizon is not being fair with a discount they should be providing.

Accepted answers

Verizon_Support

@sttxdisabled,

I totally understand the importance of saving money every month, and the employee discount is a great way to make this happen!

The state employee discount is an agreement between the state and VZW, and it's depends on the agreement wether or not retired employees will continue to receive the employee discount. You can always contact your former employer for more info regarding the employee discount agreement they have with VZW.

JohnB_VZW

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All comments

tikibar1

It's my understanding that the issue is with the State of Texas since it's up to them to determine who's eligible for the discount, not Verizon.

sttxdisabled

It may be up to TX for employment but Verizon can make up its own mind re: disabled. Not happy

Sent from my iPhone

Verizon_Support

sttxdisabled

I suppose I'm not clear in my explanation:

I am considered disabled by both my former employer & the federal government.

Sent from my iPhone

dirkbonn

sttxdisabled wrote:
I suppose I'm not clear in my explanation:
I am considered disabled by both my former employer & the federal government.
Sent from my iPhone

It's nice if a company or companies offer disabled customers some sort of discount but it's by no means a requirement that they do so. Being disabled does not entitle anyone to a discount. Again, it's a nice "perk" if a company offers this, but it's in no way an entitlement.

Best of luck however this situation works out,

unknown

sttxdisabled wrote:
I worked for the state of Texas for 25 years. I am now disabled but being paid by the State of Texas' Employee Retirement System as a continuing "disabled employee". Verizon (customer service) doesn't recognize this as a valid form of state employment; therefore I am losing my discount. WHY? It seems contradictory that a continuing employee - or retiree from employment should continue to receive benefits. If not through state employment; why not as a disabled person? I just think Verizon is not being fair with a discount they should be providing.

People need to understand whether your employer offers a discount and how much that discount is is up to your employer not Verizon. Verizon has nothing to do with whether Texas wants to give retirees discounts. Considering what party runs your state is should not be shocking that neither retirees or disabled people get anything. 1/4 of your state is uninsured that's all you need to know about how your state is run.

fedupintn

I currently get a state employee discount.....I can't tell that's it's helped my bill a bit. The cost just keeps going up. Verizon just (October 2013) increased the cost of my extended warranty/total equipment coverage and tonight I find out that my phone is too old to be replaced...so they offered me a phone for $50(co-pay) to $99(if they say the scratch on my OLD phone has ruined it) and I can to pay $30 upgrade....Or I could go to TARGET and buy the same phone for 19.95...JEEZZ Verizon is really giving me a deal! sttxdisabled.....try looking at some other plans and carriers....there's a lot of competition out there and some companies want our business.

dirkbonn

fedupintn wrote:
I currently get a state employee discount.....I can't tell that's it's helped my bill a bit. The cost just keeps going up. Verizon just (October 2013) increased the cost of my extended warranty/total equipment coverage and tonight I find out that my phone is too old to be replaced...so they offered me a phone for $50(co-pay) to $99(if they say the scratch on my OLD phone has ruined it) and I can to pay $30 upgrade....Or I could go to TARGET and buy the same phone for 19.95...JEEZZ Verizon is really giving me a deal! sttxdisabled.....try looking at some other plans and carriers....there's a lot of competition out there and some companies want our business.

It's hard to believe that Verizon isn't doing something right, because they way it looks to me is all the other wireless carriers would love to have the number of customers that Verizon has.

fedupintn

As long as consumers are willing to put up with poor customer service, price gouging, and bait and switch then there will be no motivation to change by any company. Verizon had a loyal following for many years and I was one of them. Even the great can fall if they don't remember what got them to greatness.

Verizon_Support

Hi fedupintn- Our customers like you are the reason behind our success and we will not forget it! We strive to offer you options and provide the best value in the business. May I ask what type of phone do you have? What is happening with it? Is the scratch from normal wear and tear or is it extreme? I would be happy to offer my assistance here and work to keep you with us!

Thank you,

YaleK_VZW

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