The AT&T settlement payments are part of a $177 million class action settlement addressing data breaches that exposed personal information of millions of current and former AT&T customers in 2019 and 2024. This settlement provides eligible claimants compensation for losses related to the breaches, with payment amounts potentially reaching up to $7,500 per person depending on the extent of the data compromised and documentation provided.
Background of the AT&T Settlement
In March and July 2024, AT&T suffered two significant data breaches that exposed sensitive personal data including Social Security numbers, birth dates, phone call records, and billing information of millions of customers. These breaches led to multiple lawsuits consolidated into class actions against AT&T, culminating in the proposed $177 million settlement. This settlement aims to compensate affected customers and resolve the related litigation.
Settlement Payment Amounts and Eligibility
The settlement divides claimants into two main classes corresponding to each breach:
- First Breach (March 2024): Affected about 73 million customers. Eligible claimants may receive up to $5,000 as a documented loss cash payment if they can provide proof that their losses (e.g., identity theft expenses) are fairly traceable to this breach. Alternatively, claimants can opt for a tiered cash payment, where “Tier 1” payments are higher (five times Tier 2) if the claimant’s Social Security number was compromised.
- Second Breach (July 2024): Involved the exposure of call and text records of nearly all AT&T cellular customers. Claimants eligible for this breach can file for up to $2,500 documented loss payments or a tier 3 cash payment on a pro rata basis.
- Overlap Claimants: Customers affected by both breaches may claim payments for each but must provide distinct documentation for losses related to each breach.
Settlement Payment Schedule and Dates
The settlement still requires final court approval, with a hearing scheduled for December 3, 2025. Payments to eligible claimants will commence only after the court approves the settlement and the appeals window closes. Claim submissions must be completed by November 18, 2025.
Payments will be distributed electronically when possible, through methods such as ACH bank transfers, Venmo, Zelle, virtual prepaid cards, or mailed paper checks. The date individual claimants receive payments will depend on processing times and claim completeness.
Claim Submission Process and Tips
- Eligible customers should file claims online at the official AT&T Data Incident Settlement website or by mail before the November 18, 2025 deadline.
- Claimants submitting documented loss claims must provide receipts or other supporting evidence fairly linking their losses to the AT&T breaches during 2019 or later for the first breach, and April 2024 or later for the second breach.
- Choosing the tiered cash payment option requires no documentation but results in a pro rata payment shared among eligible claimants.
- Customers should await official communications from settlement administrators and avoid scams or unauthorized solicitations.
Current Status and Important Considerations
As of late 2025, courts have preliminarily approved the settlement, and claim submissions are active. Final court approval is pending the December 3 hearing, after which payments are expected to begin. Potential appeals could delay disbursements.
Claimants are urged to file timely and provide complete documentation to avoid delays. Payment amounts will depend on the total number of valid claims, court-approved fees, and administrative costs.
Conclusion
The AT&T settlement payments offer eligible customers compensation for losses resulting from two major data breaches that compromised sensitive personal information. With payouts potentially reaching $7,500 per claimant, this settlement provides financial relief while resolving extensive litigation. Important deadlines for filing claims and court approvals indicate that payments will begin in earnest after December 2025. Claimants should monitor official resources closely to ensure their claims are properly submitted and processed.
