The clock is ticking for millions of Americans who had their personal data exposed in recent security breaches. As of today, December 16, 2025, there are only two days remaining to file a claim for the massive $177 million AT&T settlement. This fund was established to compensate current and former customers following two separate and significant data incidents that occurred in 2024. If you have not yet submitted your paperwork, you must act immediately to avoid missing out on potential payments of up to $7,500.
This settlement is unique because it addresses two distinct security failures. The first incident was confirmed in March 2024, and the second was announced just a few months later in July 2024. Together, these breaches compromised sensitive information including Social Security numbers, call logs, and account passcodes. This guide explains exactly who is eligible, how much money you can request, and the critical steps you need to take before the portal closes on December 18.
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Why AT&T Is Paying $177 Million
The settlement resolves a consolidated class action lawsuit that accused the telecommunications giant of failing to properly protect user data. The March 2024 breach involved a massive dataset appearing on the dark web, affecting roughly 7.6 million current account holders and 65 million former customers. This leaked data dated back to 2019 and included highly sensitive personal identifiers.
The second incident, revealed in July 2024, involved data illegally downloaded from a third-party cloud platform. This breach exposed records of calls and texts for nearly all AT&T wireless customers over a specific six-month period. While AT&T has denied any legal wrongdoing, they agreed to the $177 million payout to resolve the claims and help customers recover costs related to identity theft protection and other financial damages.
Who Qualifies for a Payment
Eligibility is divided into two specific groups, also known as classes. The first group, referred to as the AT&T 1 Settlement Class, includes anyone whose personal information was part of the breach announced in March 2024. This often involves exposure of Social Security numbers and full names.
The second group is the AT&T 2 Settlement Class. This covers individuals whose call and text message records were accessed in the July 2024 incident. It is important to note that many people fall into both categories. If you are a “Combined Class Member,” meaning you were affected by both breaches, you are eligible to file claims for both incidents simultaneously.
Maximum Payout Amounts
The settlement offers different levels of compensation depending on which breach affected you and whether you can prove financial harm. The structure is designed to prioritize those who suffered the most significant losses.
For members of the AT&T 1 Class (March breach), you can claim up to $5,000 if you have documentation showing out-of-pocket expenses caused by the data leak. For the AT&T 2 Class (July breach), the maximum payout for documented losses is $2,500. If you are in the unfortunate position of being in both classes, you can combine these caps for a total maximum recovery of $7,500.
Documentation Requirements
To receive the higher payment tiers, you cannot simply check a box. The settlement administrator requires proof that you lost money. This means you need to upload or mail copies of bank statements, receipts, or invoices.
Valid examples of proof include costs for credit monitoring services you purchased after the breach, fees charged by banks for fraudulent transactions, or expenses related to freezing and unfreezing your credit reports. If you do not have proof of financial loss, you can still file a claim for a smaller, fixed amount or a share of the remaining funds, but the payout will be significantly lower than the maximums listed above.
How to File Before December 18
The absolute final deadline to submit your claim is December 18, 2025. You should visit the official settlement website at telecomdatasettlement.com to file online. This is the fastest method and ensures your claim is received instantly.
If you received a notice in the mail or via email, look for your unique Class Member ID. entering this number will speed up your application. If you cannot find your notice, you can still file by providing your phone number, relevant dates of service, and other personal details to verify your identity. Do not mail a paper form at this stage unless you use overnight shipping, as it must be postmarked by the deadline to be counted.
Settlement Class Breakdown
The table below clarifies the differences between the two eligible groups and the compensation limits for each.
| Class Name | Incident Date | Maximum Payout | Who Is Included |
| AT&T 1 | March 2024 | $5,000 | Customers whose SSNs or personal info were exposed. |
| AT&T 2 | July 2024 | $2,500 | Customers whose call/text logs were accessed. |
| Combined | Both Incidents | $7,500 | Customers whose data appeared in both breaches. |
Documents You May Need
- Monthly bank or credit card statements highlighting fraud charges.
- Receipts for identity theft protection software (e.g., LifeLock, Aura).
- Invoices from accountants or attorneys hired to resolve fraud.
- Correspondence from the IRS regarding fraudulent tax returns.
- Official police reports filed regarding identity theft.
