Top Class Actions  |  November 8, 2016

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Settlement Check in the Mailbox

Why Haven’t I Received My Settlement Check Yet?

If you filed a claim for a class action settlement, there are many possible reasons why you have not received a check yet. Most commonly, the reason that you have not received a settlement check is because the settlement agreement has not become final and effective.

A judge must hear arguments about why the proposed class action settlement should be approved at the Final Fairness Hearing (you can find out when the Final Fairness Hearing is scheduled on the settlement notice or website). Funds will not be distributed to claimants until the judge grants final approval to the settlement and approves the method for disbursement. Once this order is submitted to the court, the class action settlement has become “effective.”

If Class Members were required to submit Claim Forms, each claim must be reviewed and approved. In some cases, the Settlement Administrator may request more information from claimants before approving their claim. Depending on the case, this approval process may be completed relatively quickly, or it may take several months to resolve. Typically, the Settlement Administrator won’t issue payments until all submitted claims have been reviewed. [NOTE: Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator. We are a legal news source that reports on class action lawsuits and settlements. We list the Settlement Administrator’s contact information in all of our Open Settlements.]

Even if a judge grants final approval to a class action settlement, it still may be subject to appeal. If an appeals court decides to hear the case, it may take quite a while for the class action lawsuit to be resolved. In some cases, appeals can cause settlement payments to be delayed by years—or cause the settlement to be overturned.

Why Have Others Received Their Settlement Check, But I Haven’t?

It can be unnerving to find out that other claimants have received settlement checks when you’re still waiting for yours. There are several reasons why checks for the same settlement go out at different times. If a settlement has an option to submit a Claim Form without proof of purchase, a Settlement Administrator may mail out these payments first while they review the documentation submitted by other claimants. Typically, claimants who submit documentation will be entitled to more compensation than those who do not, so the Settlement Administrator will take extra time to verify those claims.

Some class action settlements also involve several subclasses. The Settlement Administrator may decide to send payment to each subclass at different times, most likely based on the amount of compensation at stake or the amount of documentation the subclass members were required to submit.

If the Settlement Administrator has indicated a certain date by which the checks would be mailed, wait a couple of weeks before you get concerned. Mail service can differ widely from region to region. Some people may receive their checks immediately while other checks may be delayed due to slow mail service. If you still haven’t received your check, you may contact the Settlement Administrator for more information.

Why Did My Settlement Check Bounce?

Unfortunately, sometimes settlement checks bounce, leaving consumers stuck paying a bank fee. There are a few reasons why a settlement check may bounce. The settlement money may not have been transferred to the Settlement Administrator’s account at the time you cashed your check, or there may have been some other error that prevented the funds from being available.

If you have problems cashing your settlement check, contact the Settlement Administrator to let them know. They should be able to tell you what the problem is and whether it is safe for you to try to cash the check again. They may also offer to send you a replacement check.

Related FAQ Articles:

Why Was My Class Action Settlement Payout Smaller than Expected?

What is a Settlement Administrator?

What is a Class Action Settlement?

SEE ALL FAQ ARTICLES

173 thoughts onWhy Haven’t I Received My Settlement Check Yet?

  1. Krystal says:

    Some people have received there settlement checks from the WE VIBE lawsuit yet i haven’t… How come?

  2. jeremy mayer says:

    I got a e mail saying I was owed money but each time I go to get the results I get bumped onto another department

  3. Monica Rubin says:

    just wondering when I will receive compensation from the Wen lawsuit my hair loss and scalp damage is pretty permanent as a vain woman I am completely wrecked emotionally thank you Monica R

    1. Angela Felix says:

      Per the WEN Class action website:

      Tier 1 payments will be mailed on January 12, 2018.
      We anticipate that Tier 2 payments will be mailed on or before March 9, 2018.

    2. Angela Felix says:

      Per the WEN class action website:

      “Tier 1 payments will be mailed on January 12, 2018. We anticipate that Tier 2 payments will be mailed on or before March 9, 2018.”

  4. Barbara Costa says:

    Sirs, I put my claim in immediately & i have not heard a word
    About What is happening. Can you please tell me what the
    Settlement I will be receiving is &when I will be getting the
    The money?

  5. Wanda Hurley says:

    I filed a claim for morgan Chase back in July 28,2017 and I still haven’t received a check yet. Can you find out if they have settled yet?

  6. guy lansdon says:

    im a guard who currently works for us security associates,they settled a class action suit for 21 million,can you find out,if its final,and when do we expect our checks

  7. BRADLEY SMITH says:

    The Similasan class action case had its Final Hearing on August 7, 2017. Deadline for submitting claims was September 7, 2017. My claim was fully documented; as of today (November 21st) still no check. Is there any requirement that such settlements be paid by a certain date? Thank you.

  8. Bobbi moore says:

    I have a persnol injery lawsuite agnist cymbalta I have not heatd nothing from my lawyers since last year when will I know if they won my case I was on cymbalta for 8yrs I have called and left messages still nothing im pretty upset

    1. Top Class Actions says:

      You’ll need to continue trying to get in touch with your attorney for an update on your case. Good luck!

  9. Cynthia Sullivan says:

    I keep getting emails saying I am owed a settlement check but I can’t find it.

    1. Top Class Actions says:

      You’ll need to contact the settlement administrator to inquire about the status of your claim. Please email us at Questions@TopClassActions.com with what settlement it was. We offer settlement administrator contact information for every settlement we report on.

      1. Leeroy Williams says:

        I’m Leeroy Williams
        What’s the statics upon the Western Union texts messages claim ?
        I never received my check in the mail claim #720204984226

        1. Leeroy Williams says:

          I still haven’t received my check for western union text message has it been final approved yet!
          From the judge huh someone tell asap

  10. Najla Asaad says:

    Who to contact in regards to a settlement against ULTA Beauty. Have spoken with several people who have received their checks already. I’ve moved a few times, and wanted to update my address.

    1. Top Class Actions says:

      Please email us at Questions@TopClassActions.com with case information. A case name, plaintiff name, or case number is helpful. We can then search for settlement information for you. We offer settlement administrator contact information for every settlement we report on.

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Please note: Top Class Actions is not a settlement administrator or law firm. Top Class Actions is a legal news source that reports on class action lawsuits, class action settlements, drug injury lawsuits and product liability lawsuits. Top Class Actions does not process claims and we cannot advise you on the status of any class action settlement claim. You must contact the settlement administrator or your attorney for any updates regarding your claim status, claim form or questions about when payments are expected to be mailed out.