You have approximately a month left to claim a portion of the $177 million settlement related to the AT&T data breach. The submission deadline was pushed back to December last month, providing ample time to file a claim.

The first of two significant breaches was identified in March 2024, when customer information appeared on the dark web. AT&T subsequently clarified in a statement that the breach involved users’ addresses, social security numbers, and passcodes from a database originating from 2019. A more extensive breach was uncovered in late 2024, revealing the phone numbers and records of calls and texts for nearly all AT&T customers, which occurred between May 1 and Oct. 31, 2022, as well as on Jan. 3, 2023.

As a result of a class action lawsuit, courts ruled in June that the company would allocate $177 million to AT&T customers who were impacted between 2019 and 2024. Claimants were categorized into two groups: account holders affected by the March 2024 breach would share $149 million, while customers whose communications were compromised in the July breach would receive $28 million. The firm prioritized direct payments to users who faced financial losses — up to $5,000 for the first group or $2,500 for the second — as stated by the company.

Now, all other individuals whose data was compromised will split the remaining funds. Affected customers should temper their expectations, as the $177 million is being distributed among a vast number of individuals.

How to claim your AT&T settlement funds

Per the settlement website, affected customers have until Dec. 18 to claim their share — those impacted should have received a settlement notice containing a Class Member ID. If you wish to opt out of the settlement or contest your classification, you need to send a request by Nov. 17.

The final approval hearing for the settlement is set for Jan. 15.

To receive payment, you need to fill out the settlement claim form. You will require your Class Member ID, in addition to an email address, AT&T account number, or full name. Be prepared to provide payment details, such as direct deposit or check information.

Who qualifies for the AT&T settlement?

There are various eligibility requirements for the two settlement categories:

• For Class 1: eligibility includes any living individual whose personal identification information was compromised in the March breach.

• For Class 2: eligibility includes AT&T