If you are or were an AT&T subscriber, you might be entitled to a payout from the AT&T data breach settlement.
The $177 million AT&T settlement addresses two data breaches that occurred, jeopardizing subscribers’ personal information and leading to financial losses for some. If you were affected, you can still file a claim.
These breaches impacted millions of current and former customers, with sensitive data surfacing on the dark web and being illegally accessed from a third-party cloud platform. We’ll break down the timeline of both incidents, what information was compromised and who qualifies for payments.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
AT&T data breach timeline and what was exposed
According to the settlement website, AT&T experienced two data breaches in 2024.
March 30, 2024
AT&T announced a breach involving a data set from 2019 or earlier that had been released on the dark web. About 7.6 million current and 65.4 million former account holders were affected.
Exposed information included names, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, dates of birth, account passcodes, billing account numbers and Social Security numbers.
July 12, 2024
AT&T disclosed a second breach in which data was illegally downloaded from a third-party cloud platform hosted by Snowflake. This incident involved telephone numbers of current and former customers, as well as the numbers of people they contacted, plus call counts and durations.
AT&T has agreed to pay $177 million in total to resolve claims stemming from both breaches.
How much you could receive from the $177 million AT&T settlement
AT&T subscribers may be eligible for certain payments depending on how they were affected by the data breaches.
If you were affected by the first data breach, you may be eligible for one of the following:
- A documented loss cash payment of up to $5,000. You will need to provide receipts proving that your loss is fairly traceable to the data breach.
- A tier 1 cash payment from the settlement fund. Tier 1 payments are for members whose Social Security numbers were included in the incident.
- A tier 2 cash payment from the settlement fund. Tier 2 payments are for members who had data included in the incident, but whose Social Security numbers were not jeopardized.
If you were affected by the second data breach, you may be eligible for one of the following:
- A documented loss cash payment of up to $2,000. You will need to provide receipts proving that your loss is fairly traceable to the data breach.
- A tier 3 cash payment from the settlement fund.
The amount that you will receive from a tiered cash payment will depend on how many people file a claim and become part of the class-action settlement.
If you were affected by both incidents, you may be able to claim payments from both categories. If you’re claiming a documented cash loss for both incidents, you can’t use the same receipts to prove both losses.
How to tell if you were affected by the AT&T data breaches
If you were affected by one or both of the data breaches, you may have already received an email or postcard from AT&T. That email or postcard contains your class member ID number, which you’ll need to file a claim.
If you’re unsure if you were involved or if you haven’t received your class member ID number, you can use the “Contact Us” option on the settlement website to chat with support. You can also call 833-890-4930 for more information.
How to file a claim
To receive a payout from the settlement, you must file a claim. If you do nothing, you will sacrifice any benefits from the settlement and will give up your rights to sue AT&T on your own.
You have until November 18 to file a claim. You can submit a claim form on the settlement website, or you can mail it. Mailed claims must be postmarked by November 18, 2025.
To file a claim, you will need your class member ID number, as well as your full name, email address and AT&T account number.
If you’re filing a claim for a documented loss cash payment, you will need to submit receipts documenting the loss.
How to opt out of the AT&T data breach settlement
Keep in mind that if you enroll in the AT&T data breach settlement, you will not be able to file your own lawsuit against AT&T. If you’re planning to file a lawsuit, it is best to consult with your lawyer. Your request to opt out must be mailed and postmarked by October 17, 2025.
Related Resources
-
Your Medicare Costs Are Set to Soar: What to Expect Over the Next DecadeMedicare beneficiaries will face higher premiums, deductibles and surcharges starting in 2026 and continuing over the next decade. Here's what you need to know.
-
How Different Generations Invest and What They Can Teach YouBoomers, Gen Xers, millennials and Gen Zers are taking varying approaches to investing. Here's what they're doing and key lessons you can learn from them.
-
How to Navigate Your Finances After Losing Your Spouse: Thoughts From a Financial PlannerIt's important you get involved in financial planning now so you're prepared and confident to make decisions when you potentially become your own financial manager.
-
The Five Best Cruise Lines for RetireesRetirement is an ideal time for cruising. Check out the five best cruise lines for comfort, ease, and unforgettable experiences.
-
My First $1 Million: Oil and Gas Retiree, 67, Round Rock, TexasEver wonder how someone who's made a million dollars or more did it? Kiplinger's My First $1 Million series uncovers the answers.
-
Why Jerry Quits Ben & Jerry's: 5 Signs It May Be Time for You to Do the SameAfter 47 years with Ben & Jerry's, co-founder Jerry Greenfield has stepped down. His decision highlights an important truth: sometimes it's not about waiting for retirement — it's about recognizing the signs that it's time to quit.
-
Amex Platinum Just Got More Expensive: $895 Fee and $3,500 in Perks ExplainedAmerican Express raises the Platinum Card’s annual fee to $895 and expands its perks. We break down the changes so you don’t have to.
-
Falling Interest Rates: What They Mean for Homeowners, Savers and InvestorsAs interest rates fall, homeowners may celebrate while savers feel the pinch. Here’s what the change could mean for your money.
-
Refinance Applications Surge as Mortgage Rates TumbleThe window to refinance is reopening as mortgage rates hit their lowest level in nearly a year. Here’s what the market shift means for homeowners.
-
Average Spending by Age for Those 55 and Up: Are You Thrifty?Everybody has their own number for how much they’ll spend in retirement. See if your's is in line with the averages.
