Verizon Settlement Payouts Are Here: Verizon customers across the U.S. have begun receiving payouts from a major class action settlement over administrative fees—and it’s time to check your payment date and amount now. If you were a Verizon postpaid wireless customer anytime between January 1, 2016 and November 8, 2023, you may be entitled to receive compensation.
This long-awaited payout stems from a $100 million settlement that Verizon agreed to pay after being accused of charging undisclosed administrative fees on customer accounts. These fees were small but added up over time, resulting in significant overcharges for many users. Whether you’ve already received your payment or are still waiting, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—including how to check your payment status, estimate your compensation, and what steps to take if there’s a delay.
Understanding this settlement is crucial not only for those directly involved but also for consumers interested in how companies are held accountable for non-transparent billing practices. Let’s break it all down in simple terms.
Verizon Settlement Payouts Are Here
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Settlement Total | $100 million |
| Eligible Customers | Verizon postpaid customers (Jan 1, 2016 – Nov 8, 2023) |
| Payment Range | $2.37 to $100 per account |
| Payment Methods | Direct deposit, PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, mailed checks, virtual cards |
| Deadline to File a Claim | April 15, 2024 (now closed) |
| Official Settlement Website | verizonadministrativechargesettlement.com |
The Verizon administrative fee settlement is a significant milestone in corporate transparency. While the amounts customers are receiving may be small, the broader impact is meaningful. It sends a message that hidden charges and vague billing practices are not acceptable.
If you took the time to file a claim, your money should be arriving soon—if it hasn’t already. Remember to double-check your email, payment apps, and claim status online. And keep in mind that participating in these actions helps enforce consumer rights and accountability.
What Is the Verizon Administrative Fee Settlement About?
Verizon faced a class action lawsuit for allegedly charging customers undisclosed administrative fees that weren’t clearly explained or justified. These charges, often labeled as “Administrative Charge” or “Regulatory Charge,” typically amounted to $1.95 per month on customer bills.
Over time, these small fees added up to hundreds of dollars per customer, depending on how long they had service. Plaintiffs in the lawsuit argued that Verizon was unfairly profiting from hidden fees, without properly disclosing them upfront or giving customers a chance to opt out.
Although Verizon continues to deny any wrongdoing and maintains that the fees were lawful and properly disclosed, the company chose to settle to avoid ongoing litigation and legal costs.
Who Was Eligible?
To qualify for a payout from the settlement, customers needed to meet the following criteria:
- Must have been a Verizon postpaid wireless customer between January 1, 2016, and November 8, 2023
- Must have filed a valid claim by the deadline of April 15, 2024
If you did not submit a claim form by that deadline, unfortunately, you are no longer eligible to receive compensation.
How Much Money Will I Get?
The amount you receive from the settlement depends on a few factors:
- Base Payment: Each eligible customer was set to receive a base payment of $15.
- Additional Monthly Compensation: An extra $1 for every month you were charged the administrative fee.
- Maximum Payout: The maximum payment per account is capped at $100.
Example:
Let’s say you had a Verizon postpaid plan for 50 months during the class period. Your estimated payout would be:
- $15 + ($1 x 50 months) = $65
However, due to the overwhelming number of claims and deductions for legal fees, many customers have reported receiving significantly lower amounts than expected.
Some recipients shared on social media that they received payouts as low as $2.37, while others received around $7.50 via PayPal or Venmo.
How to Check Your Verizon Settlement Payment
Not sure if your payment has arrived yet? Follow these steps to verify:
Step 1: Visit the Official Settlement Website
Go to the Verizon Administrative Charges Settlement website, which is managed by the claims administrator.
Step 2: Log Into Your Claim Account
Use your claim number or email address to check your status. If you forgot your claim details, the website has tools to help you recover them.
Step 3: Search Your Email
Look for messages from [email protected] or anything mentioning the “Verizon Class Action Settlement.” Be sure to check your spam, junk, and promotions folders.
Step 4: Monitor Your Preferred Payment Method
Payments are being distributed using multiple methods:
- Bank account direct deposit
- Digital platforms: PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle
- Mailed physical checks
- Virtual prepaid Mastercard or Visa gift cards
The method depends on what you selected during the claim process.
What to Do If You Haven’t Received Payment
If you haven’t received anything yet but believe you qualified, take the following steps:
- Revisit the Official Website and confirm your claim was approved.
- Check your payment app accounts (e.g., PayPal, Venmo, Zelle).
- Contact the Settlement Administrator:
- Phone: 1-844-689-0186
- Email: [email protected]
- Double-check your claim confirmation email to ensure there were no errors in your account or payment info.
Why Are the Payouts So Small?
Despite the headline $100 million figure, not all of that goes directly to customers. Here’s how the money is generally distributed:
- Legal fees and court costs: Often 25-30% of the total amount
- Administrative expenses: Costs to manage the claims process
- Number of valid claims: More claims mean smaller payouts for each person
It’s typical in class action cases for payments to range from a few dollars to under $100, especially when the class includes millions of participants.
The main takeaway here is corporate accountability, not large individual payments.
What This Means for Consumers
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding your monthly bills and charges. Many consumers don’t examine every line item, allowing small but recurring fees to fly under the radar.
- Always read your billing statements and question fees you don’t recognize.
- Keep a record of your service start and end dates in case of future settlements.
- Consider using budgeting apps that flag unusual or recurring charges.
Even if your payout is only a few dollars, participating in these actions helps push companies to operate with greater transparency.
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FAQs about Verizon Settlement Payouts Are Here
How do I know if I’m eligible?
If you were a Verizon postpaid wireless customer between Jan 1, 2016 and Nov 8, 2023, and you filed a claim before April 15, 2024, you were eligible.
Can I still file a claim?
No, the claim filing deadline was April 15, 2024, and it has now passed.
What should I do if I made an error in my claim?
Unfortunately, most claim data is now locked. However, you can still contact the settlement administrator to see if adjustments are possible.
Is the payment considered taxable income?
Typically, payments for overcharges or billing disputes are not taxable, but it’s always smart to consult a certified tax professional.
Can I dispute the payout amount?
No. The settlement terms were pre-negotiated, and payment amounts are based on claim data and available funds.
