Time is running out for millions of current and former AT&T customers. This is one of those moments where you really need to check your email and pay attention. A $177 million settlement linked to two major data breaches is about to close, and people have less than a week left to file a claim. If you miss the deadline, any money you could have received is gone.
This isn’t just a warning or a “your data might have been exposed” message. The breaches were real, the number of people affected is huge, and the stolen information was very personal. The payout isn’t automatic, but for those who file in time, it could be worth it.
What happened with AT&T’s data breaches?
AT&T’s settlement stems from two separate data incidents disclosed in 2024, each exposing different kinds of customer information across a massive timeline.
The first breach, revealed in March 2024, involved customer data dating back to 2019 or earlier. According to court filings and the settlement website, the exposed information included names, addresses, dates of birth, billing account numbers, AT&T passcodes, and in some cases, Social Security numbers. This breach affected approximately 7.6 million current customers and a jaw-dropping 65.4 million former account holders.
Then came the second breach, disclosed in July 2024. This one didn’t expose Social Security numbers, but it hit scale in a different way. Call and text metadata records showing who customers communicated with and when were improperly uploaded to a third-party platform.
The compromised data covered activity from May through October 2022, plus a smaller batch from January 2, 2023. AT&T estimates this incident impacted around 110 million cellular customers.
AT&T has said the content of calls or messages was not exposed. Still, metadata can be deeply revealing, especially when aggregated. Regulators took note. So did plaintiffs’ attorneys.
Why AT&T agreed to settle
Multiple lawsuits followed, accusing AT&T of failing to adequately protect sensitive customer information across both wireless and landline services. The cases were consolidated, and rather than drag the fight out for years, AT&T agreed to settle.
Importantly, the company has not admitted wrongdoing. “We have agreed to this settlement to avoid the expense and uncertainty of protracted litigation,” AT&T said in a statement, echoing the familiar corporate line. The court has not found AT&T liable for any violations.
Still, the money is real, the claims process is real, and the deadline is very real.
Who is eligible for the AT&T settlement?
Eligibility falls into two main groups, and some customers may qualify under both.
You may be eligible if:
- You were impacted by the March 2024 breach, involving personal and financial data.
- You were impacted by the July 2024 breach, involving call and text records.
- You were affected by both incidents.
If you’re unsure whether your information was involved, the settlement administrator has set up a dedicated phone line at 1-833-890-4930. Customers can also check official details via the settlement site referenced in court documents.
AT&T also notified many affected customers directly, but given how old some of the data is—especially for former account holders—not everyone saw or recognized those notices.
How much money could you actually receive?
This is where expectations need to be realistic.
Under the settlement terms:
- Customers affected by the first breach can claim up to $5,000.
- Customers affected by the second breach can claim up to $2,500.
- Those affected by both may combine the claims.
But there’s a catch. To receive the maximum payout, you must provide documented losses tied to the breach. That could include:
- Fraud-related expenses
- Credit monitoring costs
- Time spent addressing identity theft
- Professional fees related to resolving misuse of your data
If you don’t have documentation, you can still file a claim—but your payment will likely be prorated. The final amount will depend on how many valid claims are submitted and how much of the settlement fund remains after legal fees and administrative costs.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Breach Involvement | Maximum Claim | Documentation Required |
|---|---|---|
| March 2024 breach | Up to $5,000 | Yes, for full amount |
| July 2024 breach | Up to $2,500 | Yes, for full amount |
| Both breaches | Up to $7,500 | Yes, for full amount |
| No documentation | Prorated cash payment | No |
What’s the deadline to file?
This part is non-negotiable.
The claim deadline is December 18. That date was already extended once, and there’s no indication it will move again.
After that:
- A final court hearing on the settlement is scheduled for January 15, 2026.
- Payments will be issued after court approval, meaning customers should expect checks or electronic payments sometime later in 2026.
If you miss the filing deadline, you won’t receive anything—even if your data was exposed.
Why this settlement matters beyond the money
Even if the payout ends up being modest for many claimants, this settlement highlights a bigger issue that keeps repeating itself in the telecom world: massive data exposure with long timelines and delayed disclosures.
Call records, Social Security numbers, billing data—this is the kind of information consumers can’t change easily. And while AT&T says it has strengthened its security practices, the scale of these breaches raises uncomfortable questions about how legacy customer data is stored and protected.
For now, though, the focus is simple: if you’re eligible, file the claim. It takes far less time than dealing with identity theft down the road.
FAQs
1. Do I need to still be an AT&T customer to qualify?
No. Former customers are eligible and make up a large portion of those affected.
2. What if I don’t remember my AT&T account details?
You can still contact the settlement administrator at 1-833-890-4930 for assistance.
3. Will filing a claim affect my relationship with AT&T?
No. Filing a claim does not impact your current service or standing with the company.
4. Is the settlement payment taxable?
It depends on your individual circumstances. Compensation for losses is generally not taxable, but consult a tax professional.
5. When will I actually get paid?
Payments are expected after the court’s final approval, likely sometime in 2026.
