Filing a Claim
Step-by-step instructions for filing a class action settlement claim — with or without proof.
Before you file
Before filing a claim, confirm two things:
- You are eligible. Read the settlement's eligibility criteria carefully. Most settlements require you to have purchased a product, used a service, or been employed during a specific time window.
- The deadline hasn't passed. Claims submitted after the deadline are rejected automatically, regardless of how strong your eligibility is. Check the filing deadline on the settlement detail page.
Filing after the deadline means you forfeit any claim to the settlement fund, even if you were clearly eligible. Set a reminder or use our Alerts feature.
Filing on your own (free)
Every settlement we list links directly to the official claims administrator website where you can file for free. Here's the typical flow:
Open the settlement detail page
Find the settlement on SettlementRadar and click File a Claim. This takes you directly to the official claims portal.
Enter your information
Fill in your name, mailing address, email, and any purchase or account information required by the specific settlement.
Upload proof (if required)
If the settlement requires documentation, upload receipts, order confirmations, or account statements. See the Proof requirements section below.
Submit & confirm
Submit your claim and save the confirmation number or screenshot. Log it in your Claim Tracker.
Guided filing assistant Pro
Pro members can use our guided filing assistant, which walks you through each settlement's specific requirements, auto-fills known information from your profile, and submits directly when available.
The guided assistant also includes a document checklist so you know exactly what to gather before starting.
Proof requirements
Settlements fall into two categories:
- No Proof Required — You simply declare under penalty of perjury that you meet the eligibility criteria. Common for data breaches and small consumer product claims.
- Proof Required — You must submit documentation such as receipts, bank statements, pay stubs, or medical records. Payouts are typically higher for these settlements.
The settlement detail page clearly shows which type applies and lists exactly what documents are accepted.
For proof-required settlements, check your email for order confirmations before starting. Amazon, PayPal, and bank statements are the most commonly accepted documents.
Deadlines
Every settlement has a firm filing deadline. After that date, claims are closed and no new filings are accepted by the administrator.
- Use the Deadline Calendar to see all upcoming deadlines in one view.
- Enable Deadline Alerts to get email reminders 30 days, 7 days, and 24 hours before a deadline.
- The Closing This Week page shows settlements expiring in the next 7 days.
After you file
After submitting your claim:
- Save your confirmation number and add the claim to your Claim Tracker.
- Wait for the distribution date — this can be months or even years after the filing deadline while the court finalizes the settlement.
- Watch for payment via check, PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle (the payment method is specified by each settlement).
Most small settlements ($5–$50) pay out within 6–12 months. Larger settlements with complex proof requirements can take 2–3 years.