Thousands of Verizon customers across the U.S. are finally seeing some long-awaited relief after years of frustration over mysterious fees that kept popping up on their phone bills. A major class-action settlement, worth up to $100 million, has been approved to compensate postpaid wireless users who were charged administrative fees and billing surcharges between January 1, 2016, and November 8, 2023.
For anyone who’s ever stared at their Verizon bill wondering, “What’s this ‘administrative fee’ again?”, this is your moment.
Who’s Eligible to Claim?
The settlement specifically targets Verizon postpaid wireless customers — meaning those who pay their bill at the end of each month rather than in advance. If you were a Verizon customer anytime between 2016 and 2023 and saw administrative or billing surcharges on your statement, chances are you’re eligible.
You’ll need to have received a settlement notice via email or mail, which confirms your eligibility. From there, the next step is submitting a valid claim form before the July 5, 2025 deadline.
Here’s the best part — you don’t need to dig up old bills or prove you paid the fees. Verizon’s internal records will do that for you. If your name’s on their list, you’re covered. Simple, right?
How Much Can You Get?
The total payout depends on how many people file valid claims. Verizon has agreed to pay between $30 million and $100 million in total.
Each eligible customer could receive anywhere from $15 to $100 — not exactly life-changing money, but for those who’ve quietly paid these charges month after month, it’s a bit of overdue justice.
| Settlement Fund | Estimated Payment Per Customer | Claim Submission Deadline | Final Approval Hearing |
|---|---|---|---|
| $30–$100 million | ~$15–$100 | July 5, 2025 | August 20, 2025 |
The exact payout will depend on how many people file claims — the fewer who do, the bigger each individual share.
How to Submit Your Claim
There are two easy ways to file:
- Online Submission: Head to the official website — www.VerizonAdministrativeFeeSettlement.com — and fill out the online claim form.
- Mail Submission: If online isn’t your thing, print the form, fill it out, and mail it to the settlement administrator.
The form will ask for your Notice ID number (if you got one) and basic details like your name, address, and contact info.
Pro tip: Don’t wait until July. Settlement sites often get slammed near deadlines, and you don’t want your claim getting lost in the shuffle.
Why Did Verizon Agree to This?
The lawsuit alleged that Verizon misled customers by advertising lower prices than what users actually paid after hidden administrative fees were tacked on.
Verizon denied any wrongdoing, of course. But the company decided to settle — not because they admitted guilt, but to avoid the drawn-out costs and headaches of a full-blown court battle.
Interestingly, Verizon isn’t required to change its billing practices as part of this deal. Meaning: yes, those administrative fees may still appear on future bills. The difference is, now you’ll know exactly what they are — and that someone’s keeping watch.
For more details, you can refer to the official documents filed with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, which are publicly accessible via uscourts.gov.
Key Deadlines You Should Remember
Missing a deadline could mean losing your share of the settlement, so mark these dates on your calendar:
- Claim Submission Deadline: July 5, 2025
- Exclusion or Objection Deadline: July 5, 2025
- Final Approval Hearing: August 20, 2025
Once the court grants final approval and any appeals are resolved, payments will be issued — likely sometime in late 2025.
Why This Matters Beyond the Money
This isn’t just about a few bucks back. It’s about accountability. Verizon’s settlement underscores how even massive corporations must answer to consumer complaints.
For years, customers complained about fees that weren’t clearly disclosed. The case shows that transparency in billing matters — not just for trust, but for fairness.
It also serves as a wake-up call to consumers: read your bills carefully. Even small line items can add up to hundreds of dollars over time. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), consumers are encouraged to dispute unexplained charges immediately (fcc.gov/complaints).
FAQs:
How do I know if I’m eligible for the Verizon settlement?
If you used a Verizon postpaid wireless plan between January 1, 2016, and November 8, 2023, and paid administrative fees or billing surcharges, you’re likely eligible.
Do I need proof of payment?
No. Verizon’s own billing records will confirm your eligibility.
How much can I expect to receive?
Anywhere between $15 and $100, depending on how many valid claims are submitted.
