The wait for the AT&T data breach settlement payments is reaching a critical stage. Many customers are eager to know when they will receive their share of the $177 million fund. While the company has not given a specific date for the mailing of checks, the legal process is moving forward right now. This settlement follows claims that the company did not do enough to protect sensitive user data during two major security incidents that occurred in 2024.
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Key Dates and the Final Approval Hearing
The most important date to keep in mind is January 15, 2026. This is when the court will hold a final approval hearing at 9 a.m. CT. During this session, a judge will decide if the settlement is fair and if the payments can be sent out to the millions of people who filed a claim. If the judge gives the green light, the settlement administrator can begin the process of preparing and sending out the money.
Breakdown of the $177 Million Settlement Fund
The total settlement amount is divided into different sections to cover the various groups of people affected. The money is meant to compensate customers for the risk of identity theft and any actual money they lost because of the data leaks.
| Category | Fund Allocation | Description of Affected Group |
| First Breach Class | $149 million | Impacted by the March 2024 data incident |
| Second Breach Class | $28 million | Impacted by the July 2024 data incident |
| Total Fund | $177 million | Combined amount for both security events |
Who is Eligible for the $7500 Maximum Payout
While many people will receive a smaller, equal share of the fund, some individuals are eligible for much larger amounts. The highest possible payment is $7500, but this is reserved for specific cases.
- You must have been affected by both the March and July data breaches to reach the highest tier.
- Documented financial losses of up to $5000 can be claimed for the first breach.
- Documented financial losses of up to $2500 can be claimed for the second breach.
- You need to provide clear proof like receipts or bank statements showing the breach caused you to lose money.
- Even without financial loss, you may get a cash payment if your Social Security number was exposed.
What Happened During the 2024 Data Breaches
The issues started in March 2024 when a massive database containing information for millions of current and former users was found on the dark web. This data included names, addresses, and Social Security numbers. Later in July 2024, another incident was revealed where call and text records from 2022 were illegally downloaded. AT&T denies any wrongdoing or legal liability, but they agreed to pay the $177 million to end the lawsuits and move forward.
Steps to Take While Waiting for Your Check
Since the deadline to file a claim has already passed in December, there is nothing left for you to do but wait for the court’s decision. It is helpful to stay organized in case the settlement administrator needs to contact you.
- Keep an eye on your email for any updates from Kroll Settlement Administration.
- Check your physical mailbox regularly after the January 15 hearing is over.
- Be patient as the processing of millions of claims can take several months.
- Watch out for scams asking for a fee to speed up your settlement payment.
