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Some people affected by Equifax’s alleged 2022 credit-reporting error may qualify for a payment from a proposed $100 million settlement. Eligibility is limited to people in the defined settlement class, and payment is not automatic: submit a valid claim by December 28, 2026. The court has not yet granted final approval.
What is the Equifax settlement about?
The case, In re Equifax Fair Credit Reporting Act Litigation, No. 1:22-cv-3072-LMM-CCB, concerns allegations that a computer coding issue caused Equifax to report inaccurate credit information to third parties for people applying for loans, insurance, or services during March and April 2022. The settlement administrator identifies the affected period as March 17 through April 8, 2022. Equifax denies wrongdoing and denies violating the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The court has preliminarily approved a proposed settlement but has not decided the merits of the allegations. Equifax FCRA Litigation settlement website
Who may qualify for a payment?
Eligibility is based on the settlement’s technical class definition, not simply on having an Equifax account or applying for credit in 2022. A qualifying person must be in the U.S. class and have had a credit score or attribute reported by Equifax to a third party that differed from what it would have been without the defined issue, in connection with a qualifying transaction identified in Equifax’s OMS analysis. Official settlement FAQ
The administrator says people who received an email or mailed notice are included according to Equifax’s records. If you did not receive a notice, that fact alone does not establish whether you are eligible; consult the official class definition and contact the settlement administrator with questions.
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How much could a valid claimant receive?
The proposed fund is $100 million. The settlement administrator currently estimates that each valid claimant may receive approximately $95 to $280, based on typical claim rates in similar cases. That range is an estimate, not a guaranteed award. Valid, timely claimants would receive equal pro rata shares of the net distribution after court-approved fees, expenses, and administration costs, so the amount depends on the number of valid claims. Settlement website: fund and payment estimate Official settlement FAQ
How do you submit a claim?
- Use the official settlement website: Submit the completed claim online at equifaxfcra.com, or download and mail the claim form from the site.
- Meet the deadline: Online claims must be submitted, or mailed claims postmarked, by December 28, 2026. Official deadlines
- Keep a record: Save a copy of your completed form and any submission confirmation or mailing proof.
The administrator says class members do not need to hire another lawyer to file. Do not pay a service claiming it can secure, expedite, or guarantee a settlement payment. For help, contact Equifax FCRA Litigation, P.O. Box 301132, Los Angeles, CA 90030-1132, or call 1-888-808-1542. The administrator advises people not to contact Equifax or the court for settlement information. Official settlement FAQ
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Claim, opt out, object, or do nothing: what are the differences?
| Choice | Payment | Effect if the settlement becomes final | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Submit a valid claim | Eligible for a pro rata payment | Bound by the settlement and its release for claims related to the coding issue | December 28, 2026 |
| Opt out | No settlement payment | Not bound by this settlement; retains the right to bring an individual case, subject to applicable time limits | November 27, 2026 |
| Object | May still receive payment if you also file a claim | Cannot opt out and object at the same time | November 27, 2026 |
| Do nothing | No payment | Still bound by the settlement and its release | No action deadline stated |
Review the official instructions before choosing. Opting out is the route for someone who does not want the settlement’s release to apply and wishes to preserve an individual case, while objecting challenges the proposal without opting out. This is general information, not individualized legal advice. Official deadlines Official settlement FAQ
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Has the settlement been approved, and when would payments arrive?
The court has preliminarily approved the proposal; final approval is still pending. A final approval hearing is scheduled for January 22, 2027, at 2:00 p.m. at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. The administrator says the court may change the hearing date or hold it remotely without further notice. No distribution date is given in the official materials, and payments cannot be made unless final approval is granted and the settlement becomes effective. Check the administrator’s dates page for updates.
As the settlement administrator’s FAQ puts it, “The Court has not decided which side is right.”
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