Erizon Communications Inc. has reached a $100 million class-action settlement following allegations that it improperly charged undisclosed administrative fees to its postpaid wireless customers between 2016 and 2023. The lawsuit claimed these fees, which Verizon collected from its customers, were not adequately disclosed or explained, resulting in a lengthy legal process that has now concluded in this significant payout. If you were affected, here’s what you need to know about eligibility, the amount of your check, and how to claim it.
Eligibility for the Verizon Settlement
To be eligible for a share of the Verizon class-action settlement, you need to meet the following criteria:
- Customer Type: You must have been a current or former Verizon postpaid wireless or data service customer.
- Fee Charges: You must have been charged administrative or telco recovery fees by Verizon between January 1, 2016, and November 8, 2023.
- Claim Filing: You must have submitted a valid claim by the filing deadline of April 15, 2024. Claims filed after this date were not eligible for compensation.
If you meet these requirements, you’re eligible to receive a portion of the settlement funds. Those who missed the claim deadline or chose to opt-out of the settlement will not receive any payouts. You can find more details on the official settlement website here.
How Much Will You Get?
The total settlement amount stands at $100 million, and this will be divided among the eligible claimants. The amount each person receives will depend on several factors, including the length of time they were charged these administrative fees and the total number of claims filed.
- Minimum Payment: Claimants are guaranteed to receive a minimum payout of $15.
- Maximum Payment: Depending on the number of claims and the months of charges, the maximum payout can go up to $100.
The actual amount you will receive will likely be less than the maximum, as it depends on the pro-rata distribution method. This means that the funds will be divided equally among all valid claims, and if a large number of claims were submitted, your payout could be on the lower end.
For more information on the payout process, check the official page for settlement details.
Payment Methods
Once your claim has been approved, there are several ways you can receive your settlement payout. Verizon has made multiple payment methods available, so claimants can select the option that best suits them.
- Direct Deposit: If you selected electronic payments when filing your claim, you may receive your payout through direct deposit, such as Zelle, PayPal, or Venmo.
- Prepaid Card: A virtual prepaid card can also be issued for your payout.
- Physical Check: If you prefer a physical check, that option is available as well.
Payments are expected to be distributed starting in January 2025 and continuing through June 2025. The exact timeline depends on the payment method chosen by the claimant.
How to Check Your Payment Status
If you’ve submitted your claim, you may want to track its status. Here’s how you can do it:
- Visit the official Verizon Administrative Charges Settlement website.
- Use the claim ID or confirmation number you received when you filed your claim.
- If you don’t have the claim ID, check your email inbox (including the spam folder) for updates.
- Monitor your bank account or mailbox for the payment.
If you are having trouble with the claim process or need further assistance, the settlement administrator can be reached through the website or by calling the customer support line at 1-844-689-0186.
Legal Background
The class action against Verizon was filed after customers complained about the administrative fees that were added to their wireless bills without clear explanation. These fees ranged between 40 cents and $3.30 per month per line, and Verizon allegedly did not clearly inform customers about the charges. The lawsuit was aimed at making Verizon compensate its customers for these charges.
After a long legal battle, Verizon agreed to settle for $100 million, which will now be distributed to those who were charged these fees. The settlement resolves the claims without Verizon admitting any wrongdoing.
What to Do if You Missed the Claim Deadline
If you missed the deadline for filing your claim, you may not be eligible to receive any compensation from this settlement. However, it’s important to keep an eye on any future class-action settlements you might be eligible for. You can sign up for alerts on class-action websites such as Top Class Actions to be notified of upcoming settlements.
Additionally, if you opted out of this settlement, you may not be entitled to any compensation either, as doing so means you chose not to participate in the legal resolution.
Conclusion
The Verizon $100 million class-action settlement is a significant payout that will compensate customers who were affected by unauthorized administrative fees. If you qualify, you can expect a payout based on your usage and the total number of claims filed. The payout will be distributed through various methods such as direct deposit, prepaid cards, or physical checks.
