The $177 million AT&T data breach settlement could mean a payout for you – how to qualify

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If you’re a current or former AT&T customer, a new class action settlement means you might be in line for a little cash.

Earlier this year, the company confirmed two major data breaches — one from 2019 or earlier and one from 2024. The stolen data, which ultimately ended up for sale on the dark web, included social security numbers, names, email addresses, mailing addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, and more.

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AT&T paid hackers to delete the information in an attempt to lessen damages, said it remedied the problem, and offered identity protection services to affected customers — but it wasn’t enough.

A Texas judge last week gave preliminary approval to a class action settlement that would offer financial compensation to customers whose data was taken. AT&T denies allegations that it was responsible for the breach, but it has agreed to settle out of court.  

For now, there’s no official settlement site to enter your information. If you’re eligible, you’ll get an email or letter over the next few months. Settlement documents say that notices will start going out on August. 4. When that happens, there will most likely be a site to file a claim. 

How much money will I get from the AT&T settlement?

It’s not clear how much each individual will get, but AT&T has allotted $149 million for the first settlement class and $28 million for the second settlement class. Payments will go to customers after the lawyers take their cut.

The settlement includes customers who were involved in both the 2019 breach and the 2024 breach. It’s not necessary for you to have been involved in both. The class settlement documents didn’t specify whether this breach was for wireless customers or internet customers, but since the 2024 breach involved customer call and text records, at least part of the settlement is for cell customers. 

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If this settlement is similar to others, customers who suffered more significant losses will be eligible for more money.

The final approval hearing is set for December 3, so payments should go out late this year or early 2026.