Millions of AT&T customers are now racing against the clock to file claims in one of the largest telecom data breach settlements in U.S. history. The deadline: November 18, 2025.
The $177 million settlement stems from two separate AT&T data breaches in 2024 that compromised customer records on a massive scale. Depending on the breach, eligible claimants could receive up to $7,500 in compensation—but only if they file before the cut-off date.
Here’s a breakdown of what happened, who qualifies, and how to claim your share.
When Did the AT&T Data Breaches Happen?
- March 30, 2024: AT&T disclosed its first breach, affecting 73 million accounts (7.6 million current customers and 65.4 million former). Information exposed included addresses, Social Security numbers, passcodes, and billing details.
- July 12, 2024: A second breach was revealed, involving records of calls and texts from nearly all AT&T wireless customers and partner networks between May 1, 2022, and October 31, 2022. While this incident did not expose Social Security numbers or DOBs, it still raised major privacy concerns.
Both breaches triggered lawsuits that were consolidated into class-action cases.
How Much Is AT&T Paying?
AT&T agreed to a $177 million settlement:
| Settlement | Amount | Data Breach | Eligible Claim |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T 1 | $149 million | March 2024 | Up to $5,000 |
| AT&T 2 | $28 million | July 2024 | Up to $2,500 |
Final approval is set for December 3, 2025 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Payments, if approved, are expected to begin in early 2026.
Who Can File a Claim?
You may be eligible if your data was included in either breach. Customers should have received an email notice from Kroll Settlement Administration (KSA) at [email protected].
- First Data Breach (March 2024):
- Documented Loss Option: Up to $5,000 with proof of financial harm.
- Tiered Cash Option (no proof required):
- Tier 1: If your Social Security number was leaked → higher payout.
- Tier 2: If your Social Security number was not leaked → smaller payout.
- Second Data Breach (July 2024):
- Up to $2,500 with proof of documented losses.
How to File a Claim
- Go to the KSA website (the official claims portal).
- Submit your claim online by November 18, 2025.
- You’ll need your Notice ID and Confirmation Code from the email notice.
- If filing by mail, your form must be postmarked by the same date.
- For questions, call KSA at (833) 890-4930.
Important: If you want to sue AT&T independently, you must opt out by October 17, 2025. Filing a claim waives your right to pursue your own lawsuit.
What Are the Payment Amounts?
Here’s how the settlement could impact payouts:
| Group | Old Monthly Payment (Approx.) | New Monthly Payment (Approx.) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEP-Affected Retirees (March breach) | $800 | $1,400 | +$600 |
| Spouses/Widows (GPO case) | $0 | $850 | +$850 |
| Dual Eligible (Both breaches) | $950 | $1,500 | +$550 |
Note: Actual settlement amounts depend on the number of valid claims filed.
AT&T’s Response
AT&T has denied wrongdoing, saying it was not directly responsible for “these criminal acts.” In a statement, the company said it agreed to settle to avoid “the expense and uncertainty of protracted litigation.”
“We remain committed to protecting our customers’ data and ensuring their continued trust in us,” the company added.
Timeline of Key Dates
- Oct. 17, 2025: Deadline to opt out if you wish to sue independently.
- Nov. 18, 2025: Claim filing deadline.
- Dec. 3, 2025: Final settlement approval hearing.
- Early 2026: Expected payout period if approved.
FAQs:
What’s the deadline to file a claim?
November 18, 2025. Claims filed after this date won’t be considered.
How much money can I receive?
Up to $5,000 for the March breach, up to $2,500 for the July breach, depending on losses and eligibility.
Do I need proof of financial loss?
Only if you’re filing for the documented loss option. The tiered payout option does not require proof.
