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How to ask your phone company for more time to pay
Most carriers offer a payment arrangement that keeps your service on. Ask before the due date.
Tips before you ask
- Many carriers let you set up a payment arrangement in their app or website. Check there first.
- Ask whether you qualify for a low-income discount (for example the federal Lifeline program).
Example: more time to pay
A worked example in the warm tone. Fill in the form above to get your own, in the tone you choose.
Call script
Have ready: your account number, the amount and the date you can really pay. Don't promise a date you can't meet.
Hi, my name is Maria.
My account number is 882-104-557.
I'm calling about my bill of $95, due Tuesday, November 3.
I want to sort this out before it's late, not after.
My pay was late this month.
Could I pay the full $95 on Tuesday, November 17 instead?
If we agree on that date, will there be a late fee? Could it be waived?
Thank you, I really appreciate your help.
Before you hang up: ask for their name, write down the date, time and what was agreed, and ask for it in writing.
If they say no
More time to pay
- Ask what they can offer instead: a shorter delay, part now and the rest later, or a payment plan.
- Ask whether there's a hardship or assistance program, and how to apply.
- Ask, politely, to speak to a supervisor.
- Call 211 or visit 211.org to find local help with this bill.
- Whatever you agree, ask for it in writing.
Pay part now, the rest later
- Ask what the smallest amount is that would stop late fees or a shut-off, and by when.
- Ask whether a longer payment plan is possible.
- Ask whether there's a hardship or assistance program.
- Call 211 or visit 211.org to find local help with this bill.
- Whatever you agree, ask for it in writing.
Waive a late fee
- Ask whether they can waive half of it instead.
- Ask whether it can be waived if you set up automatic payments.
- Ask, politely, to speak to a supervisor. Waivers are often at the supervisor's discretion.
- Try again in writing: a short, polite email sometimes gets a different answer.
Write a hardship letter
- Ask what documents they'd need to reconsider, and send them.
- Ask for the hardship department or a supervisor, in writing.
- Ask for a smaller change: one skipped payment, a lower payment for two months, or a waived late fee.
- A nonprofit credit counselor (look for NFCC members) can contact lenders about a plan for you.
These are templates for general information, not legal or tax advice, and not a substitute for the advice of an attorney. You send every message yourself; we never contact anyone on your behalf.