AT&T Data Breach Settlement: How to Claim Up to $7,500 Before Deadline

Updated On: November 14, 2025

AT&T data breach settlement offers up to $7,500 compensation for affected customers. Deadline is December 18, 2025. Learn eligibility, claim process, and payment details.

Introduction

The AT&T data breach settlement represents one of the most significant consumer compensation announcements in recent years. A telecommunications giant has agreed to pay out $177 million to settle claims related to two major data breaches that exposed the personal information of millions of Americans in 2024. If you’re an AT&T customer—whether current or former—you could be eligible to receive compensation of up to $7,500 directly to your pocket. However, time is running out. The deadline to file your claim is December 18, 2025, and every day that passes brings you closer to missing this critical opportunity.

This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about the AT&T data breach settlement, including who qualifies, how much money is available, and step-by-step instructions on how to claim your share before the clock runs out.

Understanding the Two AT&T Data Breaches

Before diving into the settlement details, it’s important to understand what happened and why AT&T is paying out such a substantial sum.

The March 2024 Breach: The Dark Web Incident

In March 2024, AT&T made a shocking announcement. Hackers had released sensitive customer data on the dark web—a hidden corner of the internet where criminals operate. The compromised information included data dating back to 2019 or earlier, potentially affecting approximately 7.6 million current AT&T account holders and 65.4 million former customers.

The exposed data was extensive and alarming. Personal information leaked included full names, email addresses, physical addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, billing account numbers, account passcodes, and in many cases, Social Security numbers. Remarkably, AT&T initially denied that any breach had occurred, claiming the leaked data didn’t come from its systems. However, when security researchers discovered users’ AT&T passcodes in the leaked archive, the company was forced to reverse course and finally admit the truth in March 2024.

The incident prompted AT&T to reset passwords for 7.6 million current account users, requiring them to create new access credentials to protect their accounts from potential unauthorized access.

The July 2024 Breach: The Cloud Platform Incident

Just four months later, in July 2024, AT&T announced a second data breach. This time, the culprit wasn’t hackers penetrating AT&T’s servers directly. Instead, unauthorized individuals illegally downloaded limited customer data from an AT&T workspace hosted on Snowflake, a third-party cloud platform.

While this breach was smaller in scope than the March incident, it still exposed sensitive information. The leaked data included telephone numbers of current and former AT&T customers, the phone numbers they interacted with, counts of those interactions, aggregate call durations, and for a small subset of users, cell site identification numbers. The breach impacted nearly all AT&T cellular customers to some degree.

The $177 Million Settlement: Breaking Down the Numbers

Following the two breaches, AT&T faced numerous class-action lawsuits filed across the United States. These cases were eventually consolidated before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. After months of negotiations, the parties reached a settlement agreement in March 2025.

AT&T agreed to pay a total of $177 million to settle all claims related to both incidents. Importantly, the company did not admit any wrongdoing or fault—a common tactic in settlement agreements aimed at avoiding broader liability. Nevertheless, AT&T chose to settle to avoid the significant costs and time commitment of prolonged litigation.

The settlement fund is divided between the two incidents. The March 2024 breach settlement totals $149 million, while the July 2024 breach settlement amounts to $28 million. These funds are specifically designated to compensate affected customers for their losses and inconvenience.

Who Can File a Claim for the AT&T Settlement?

Understanding whether you qualify is the first step toward claiming your compensation. The good news is that eligibility is quite broad, encompassing millions of potential claimants.

The Two Eligible Classes

The settlement creates two distinct settlement classes based on which breach affected your data:

AT&T 1 Settlement Class: This includes all living persons in the United States whose data elements were included in the March 30, 2024 breach. Data elements include any combination of names, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, dates of birth, account passcodes, billing account numbers, and Social Security numbers.

AT&T 2 Settlement Class: This includes AT&T account owners or line and end users whose data elements were involved in the July 12, 2024 breach. Affected data includes telephone numbers and information about the people those numbers contacted, interaction counts, aggregate call durations, and in some cases, cell site identification numbers.

The Overlap Class

Here’s where it gets interesting: Some customers were affected by both breaches. These individuals fall into the Overlap Settlement Class and can claim compensation from both incidents. In fact, customers affected by both breaches are eligible for the maximum compensation of up to $7,500.

How to Check Your Eligibility

The settlement administrator, Kroll Settlement Administration LLC, makes it easy to verify whether your data was affected. You can check your eligibility on the official settlement website at telecomdatasettlement.com by providing one of the following:

Your Class Member ID (if you received notice)
Your email address
Your AT&T account number
Your full name

If you didn’t receive a settlement notice in your mailbox or email, don’t worry. You can still check eligibility or get help by calling Kroll Settlement Administration at 833-890-4930. Many settlement notices have ended up in spam folders, so it’s worth checking there before assuming you weren’t contacted.

How Much Can You Get? Understanding the Payment Tiers

The amount of compensation you receive depends on several factors, including which breach affected you and the type and sensitivity of information exposed. The settlement uses a tiered system to determine payouts.

AT&T 1 Settlement Class Payments (March 2024 Breach)

Members of the AT&T 1 Settlement Class have two payment options: they can either claim documented losses or accept a tiered cash payment based on the sensitivity of their exposed data.

Option 1: Documented Loss Reimbursement

If you suffered direct financial losses related to the March 2024 breach, you can claim reimbursement of up to $5,000. Documented losses include identity theft, fraudulent charges on your accounts, credit monitoring costs, or other financial harm that occurred on or after 2019 and is traceable to the breach.

This option requires you to submit documentation proving your losses. Examples of acceptable documentation include bank statements showing unauthorized charges, credit card statements showing fraud, receipts for identity theft protection services, or proof of fees paid to credit bureaus. The more detailed your documentation, the stronger your claim.

Option 2: Tiered Cash Payments

If you don’t have documented losses, or if your losses are less than what you could receive through the tiered system, you can claim a pro-rata share of the remaining settlement funds. The tiered system depends on whether your Social Security number was included in the breach.

Tier 1 Cash Payment: If your Social Security number was exposed in the March 2024 breach, you qualify for Tier 1 status. Tier 1 payments are calculated as five times the amount of Tier 2 payments, reflecting the greater sensitivity of SSN exposure and the higher risk of identity theft.

Tier 2 Cash Payment: If your personal data was exposed but your Social Security number was not included, you qualify for Tier 2 status. Tier 2 payments are smaller than Tier 1 payments but still provide meaningful compensation.

The exact dollar amount for each tier payment depends on the total number of valid claims received and the remaining funds after administrative costs and attorney fees are paid. However, the potential maximum is substantial.

AT&T 2 Settlement Class Payments (July 2024 Breach)

Members affected by the July 2024 breach also have payment options, though the maximum payout is lower than the March breach category.

Documented Loss Reimbursement: If you can document financial losses related to the July 2024 breach, you can claim up to $2,500 in reimbursement for losses occurring on or after April 14, 2024. As with the March breach claims, you’ll need to provide supporting documentation of your losses.

Tier 3 Cash Payment: Alternatively, account owners can claim a pro-rata share of the remaining settlement funds designated for the July 2024 breach. This payment is based on the available funds after administrative and legal costs are deducted.

Overlap Class: Maximum Compensation

For the fortunate few who were affected by both breaches, the settlement allows for combined compensation. In the best-case scenario, an Overlap Class member could receive up to $7,500 total—a combination of payments from both incident categories. However, there’s an important restriction: if you claim documented losses from both breaches, each loss must be unique and supported by separate documentation. You cannot use the same documentation to support losses from both incidents.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to File Your Claim

Filing your claim is straightforward and can be completed entirely online, though mail submission is also available. Here’s exactly how to proceed:

Step 1: Gather Your Information

Before starting your claim, collect the following information:

Your name and contact information
Your AT&T account number (if available)
Your Class Member ID or Settlement ID (from your notice letter)
Your email address
Any documentation of financial losses if you’re claiming documented losses

If you received a settlement notice by mail or email, it should contain your Class Member ID and instructions for accessing the settlement website. Keep this notice handy as you work through the claim process.

Step 2: Visit the Official Settlement Website

Navigate to telecomdatasettlement.com, the official settlement administrator website. This is the only legitimate site for filing claims related to the AT&T settlement. Be cautious of scam websites that may try to impersonate the official settlement site—always type the URL directly into your browser rather than clicking links from emails or social media.

Step 3: Verify Your Eligibility

On the settlement website, look for the “Submit Claim” option. You’ll be prompted to verify your eligibility by providing either your Class Member ID, email address, AT&T account number, or full name. The system will check its records and confirm whether your data was affected by the breach.

If the system confirms you’re eligible, you’ll proceed to the claim form. If it indicates you’re not listed, don’t immediately give up. Contact Kroll Settlement Administration at 833-890-4930 to discuss your situation. Sometimes records are incomplete, or there may be an error that can be corrected with the help of a representative.

Step 4: Complete the Claim Form

The claim form asks for basic personal information and requires you to select which type of claim you’re making:

Documented Loss Claim: Select this if you’re claiming reimbursement for financial losses and have documentation to support your claim
Tiered Cash Payment Claim: Select this if you’re claiming a pro-rata share based on the sensitivity of your exposed data

Answer all required fields accurately. Any inconsistencies or missing information may delay processing or result in your claim being rejected.

Step 5: Upload Documentation (If Claiming Losses)

If you’re claiming documented losses, you’ll need to upload supporting documents through the website portal. Acceptable documentation includes:

Bank statements showing unauthorized charges
Credit card statements showing fraudulent transactions
Credit monitoring service receipts or invoices
Proof of identity theft protection service payments
Medical bills related to identity theft recovery
Phone bills or statements showing unauthorized charges
Receipts for credit reports obtained to check for fraud

Make sure documents are clear and legible. The settlement administrator may contact you if documentation is unclear or insufficient to process your claim.

Step 6: Review and Submit Your Claim

Carefully review all information you’ve entered before submitting. Once submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation message and confirmation number. Save this number for your records—you may need it if you need to follow up on your claim status.

Step 7: Mail Alternative (If You Prefer)

If you don’t want to submit your claim online, you can print the claim form from the settlement website and mail it to:

AT&T Data Incident Settlement
c/o Kroll Settlement Administration LLC
P.O. Box 5324, New York, NY 10150-5324

Your mailed claim must be postmarked by December 18, 2025 to meet the filing deadline. Mail claims by December 10, 2025 or earlier to ensure they arrive before the deadline.

Critical Deadlines You Must Know

Missing deadlines in class action settlements means losing your opportunity for compensation permanently. Mark your calendar with these important dates:

November 17, 2025: This is the deadline to opt out of the settlement or file objections if you disagree with the settlement terms. If you opt out, you forfeit the right to receive settlement benefits but retain the right to pursue individual legal action against AT&T.

November 18, 2025: This is an updated opt-out and objection deadline date according to court orders.

December 18, 2025: This is the absolute final deadline to submit your claim for settlement benefits. Any claims submitted after this date will be rejected and you’ll lose your opportunity to receive compensation.

January 15, 2026: The court will hold a final approval hearing at 9:00 a.m. Central Time to approve the settlement and authorize payment distribution. This date is not a deadline for claimants but marks when payments will be authorized.

Mid-2026: Payments are expected to begin after the court’s final approval, though exact timing depends on the number of valid claims received and any appeals filed.

Given that we’re now in November 2025, the December 18 deadline is less than five weeks away. If you think you might be eligible, don’t delay—submit your claim immediately to avoid any last-minute complications that might cause you to miss the deadline.

What Happens After You Submit Your Claim?

Understanding the post-submission process helps you know what to expect in the coming months.

Claim Verification and Processing

Once you submit your claim, the settlement administrator will verify your information and eligibility. If you claimed documented losses, they’ll review your supporting documentation to confirm that your claimed losses are fairly traceable to one of the AT&T breaches. This verification process typically takes several weeks.

If the administrator needs additional information or clarification, they may contact you by email or phone using the contact information you provided in your claim. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information, as delays in providing documentation could slow your claim’s processing.

Claim Status Tracking

You can check the status of your claim on the settlement website using your confirmation number or Class Member ID. The website will provide updates as your claim moves through the verification and approval process.

Claim Approval and Payment Authorization

After the court grants final approval on January 15, 2026, all valid claims will be officially approved and eligible for payment. The settlement administrator will then process payments according to the payment method you selected—either by check mailed to your address or by electronic transfer to your bank account if you provided banking information.

Payment Distribution Timeline

Payments are expected to begin in mid-2026, though the exact timing depends on several factors:

The total number of valid claims received
The amount claimed across all claimants
Whether any appeals are filed challenging the settlement
Administrative processing time

Early estimates suggest that first payments could begin appearing in spring or early summer of 2026, but there’s no guaranteed date. The settlement website will post updates as payment distribution begins.

What If Your Claim Is Denied?

If the settlement administrator denies your claim, you’ll receive notification explaining the reason. Common reasons for claim denials include:

Insufficient or unclear documentation
Information that doesn’t match settlement records
Claims filed after the deadline
Claimed losses not clearly traceable to the breach
Duplicate claims

If your claim is denied, you can appeal the decision within 30 days of receiving the denial notice. Contact Kroll Settlement Administration to begin the appeals process and discuss what additional information might support your claim.

Important Things to Know Before Filing

Before you jump into the claims process, there are several critical things you should understand:

You Must Accept the Settlement to Receive Payment

By filing a claim and accepting settlement benefits, you agree that you are not pursuing separate legal action against AT&T related to these two data breaches. This is called a “release” of claims. You forfeit the right to file your own lawsuit or continue with any existing individual lawsuits against AT&T or its insurers related to the 2024 breaches.

However, this release only applies to these two specific incidents. You retain all other legal rights and can still pursue other matters against AT&T.

AT&T Did Not Admit Wrongdoing

It’s important to understand that this settlement does not represent AT&T admitting fault or wrongdoing. The company settled to avoid litigation costs and time, not because it conceded that a breach occurred or that it was negligent. Many companies choose to settle class action lawsuits regardless of the underlying merits to avoid the uncertainty and expense of trial.

Scams and Imposters Are Already Appearing

As with any major settlement offering money to consumers, scammers are already circulating fraudulent emails and messages claiming to help people claim their settlement payments. These scams typically:

Ask you to click links to fake websites that harvest your personal information
Request payment of “processing fees” to claim your settlement
Ask for banking information or Social Security numbers upfront
Claim they can guarantee you receive the maximum amount

Remember: The legitimate settlement website is telecomdatasettlement.com and does not charge any fees to file your claim. Kroll Settlement Administration will never ask you to pay money upfront to receive settlement benefits. If you receive such requests, they’re definitely scams—ignore them and report them to the Federal Trade Commission.

Frequently Asked Questions About the AT&T Settlement

Q: What information was actually exposed in these breaches?

A: In the March 2024 breach, exposed information included names, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, account passcodes, and billing account numbers. In the July 2024 breach, the exposed information primarily included phone numbers and calling patterns.

Q: How much will each person actually receive?

A: The exact amounts depend on how many people file claims and what they claim. If few people file, remaining funds get distributed among valid claims, increasing individual payouts. If many people file, the funds get divided more ways, reducing individual amounts. The settlement language suggests that some claimants could receive substantial payments, but without knowing the total claim volume, exact per-person amounts cannot be determined until all claims are processed.

Q: Can I claim if I’m no longer an AT&T customer?

A: Yes. The settlement covers both current and former AT&T customers whose data was in the breached databases.

Q: What if I didn’t receive a notice letter?

A: Contact Kroll Settlement Administration at 833-890-4930. You can verify eligibility over the phone even without a notice letter. Notices have been sent by email and postal mail to known addresses, but some may have ended up in spam folders or addresses may be outdated.

Q: Can I claim losses from both breaches?

A: Yes, if you were affected by both. However, if claiming documented losses, each claim must be supported by unique, separate documentation that isn’t used for the other breach claim.

Q: What if I opt out?

A: If you opt out, you won’t receive settlement benefits but you retain the right to pursue your own lawsuit against AT&T. However, given the substantial settlement fund and the time and expense of individual litigation, most people find claiming the settlement to be the better option.

Q: When will payments actually arrive?

A: Payments are expected mid-2026, following the January 15, 2026 final approval hearing. The settlement website will provide updates as payment processing begins.

Why You Should Act Now: The Bottom Line

The AT&T data breach settlement represents a significant opportunity for millions of Americans to receive direct compensation for the exposure of their personal information. With a $177 million settlement fund and potential individual payments of up to $7,500, this isn’t an opportunity to take lightly.

However, the window is closing rapidly. The December 18, 2025 deadline to file your claim is less than five weeks away. Every day that passes brings you closer to losing this opportunity permanently. Thousands of AT&T customers are checking their eligibility and filing claims right now—don’t be left behind.

The filing process is simple and takes just minutes if you have the necessary information ready. Online submission is quick and secure, and support is available by phone if you need help. The only way to receive settlement benefits is to file a claim before the deadline. If you miss it, you’ll forfeit the compensation you’re entitled to, and AT&T will keep the unclaimed funds.

Take action today. Visit telecomdatasettlement.com, verify your eligibility, and submit your claim. Your financial security is worth the small amount of time this process requires.

Conclusion

The AT&T data breaches affected millions of Americans, exposing sensitive personal information including Social Security numbers, addresses, and banking information. While AT&T has agreed to pay $177 million to settle claims related to these incidents, that compensation only reaches those who file valid claims before December 18, 2025.

Whether you’re eligible for Tier 1 payments with maximum sensitivity protection, Tier 2 cash payments, or documented loss reimbursement, the settlement offers meaningful compensation for the inconvenience and risk created by these breaches. Don’t leave money on the table—file your claim today through the official settlement website at telecomdatasettlement.com.

Your data was compromised. Your compensation is waiting. The only question is whether you’ll claim it before time runs out.

Share your thoughts in the comments below—have you received notice about the AT&T settlement? What’s your experience been with filing claims?