** Shares of U.S. telecom company Verizon Communications VZ.N up 1.50% at $40.35

** Co offers flexible payment options to U.S. military, coast guard, first responders and federal employees impacted by the U.S. government shutdown

** Eligible individuals needing more time to pay can now request a payment deferral

** YTD, the stock has risen 1.04%, including session's moves

(Reporting by Krisha Bhatt)

((Krisha.Bhatt@thomsonreuters.com;))