Hello and welcome to the forum. Unfortunately, the title of your post (My phone isn't working!) seems to have little to do with what you are asking in the body of your above posting. It appears at the time of your contract either you had not established any credit or there was a problem with your credit. In such cases, Verizon can allow you to establish service providing you pay an upfront security deposit which insures you will pay your bills in a timely manner.
It is my understanding that If you paid a Security Deposit when you started service with Verizon you will get it back with interest after 12 months as long as you make all your payments on time. Their actual policy on this can be found below. Essentially, it says
. . . If you paid a security deposit, it may take between 30 and 60 days to process the return of your security deposit. The charges for any service used on the account before the service termination date may be applied against your security deposit.
It appears you need your funds quickly. I would encourage you to contact them and request a courtesy hardship acceleration of your refund as you say you need it to travel to see family (possibly an emergency?). They may grant the request and you may have to ask to speak to a supervisor to obtain it. Good luck 
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/globalText?textName=RETURN_POLICY&jspName=footer/returnPolicy.jsp
I hope this provides a little more clarity
