WASHINGTON — Verizon wireless customers who filed a claim as part of a class action settlement are starting to see their payments arrive, but it’s for a lot less than they may have expected.
Last year, Verizon agreed to pay $100 million to settle a lawsuit related to monthly administration fees. A claims website set up by the settlement administrator explained at the time that each valid claim could mean up to $100 per customer. The key there being “up to.”
Those who reported getting their payments this week from “Verizon Administrative Settlement Administrator” got much less than that. Most on social media said they got anywhere from $4 to $14 total deposited to their Venmo or Paypal accounts.
Why did I get money from Verizon Administrative Settlement Administrator?
According to the settlement agreement, each valid claim would start at a minimum of $15, plus $1 for every month you were a Verizon customer and paid the administration fee.
However, as is often the case with class action settlements, the amount you get in the end depends on several factors, including how many people submit claims and fees for the lawyers.
The settlement agreement specifically described why payments could be less if there’s more claims: “In the event the aggregate Settlement Payments across all Valid Claimant accounts exceed the Net Distributable Funds, the Settlement Payment issued to each Valid Claimant account will be reduced on a pro rata basis, as determined by the Settlement Administrator.”
Who was eligible for the Verizon settlement? Can I still get one?
Verizon wireless customers between 2016 and 2023 were eligible for a small piece of the settlement, but had to file a claim by April 2024.
If you were eligible for the Verizon class action settlement but didn’t file a claim, then you won’t receive any payment.