Verizon has begun distributing $100 million to customers from its class-action settlement over undisclosed fees. The payments started rolling out in mid-2025 via direct deposit, Zelle transfers, and physical checks. Individual amounts vary from $5 to $100, with higher payments going to customers who paid these disputed charges for longer periods.
At issue were "Administrative Charges" and "Telco Recovery Charges" that Verizon added to postpaid wireless bills between January 2016 and November 2023 without adequate disclosure. Though Verizon didn't admit wrongdoing, they agreed to settle rather than face continued litigation expenses.
For customers who submitted claims before the April 15, 2024 deadline, there are several ways to check payment status and understand what comes next.
1. Check your claim and payment status
Review your email for confirmation from the Verizon Administrative Charges Settlement Administrator. If you submitted a claim before the April 15, 2024 deadline, you should have received a confirmation email or letter. Without this confirmation, you likely didn't file a claim and won't receive payment.
Visit the official settlement website through consumer protection portals like Top Class Actions or ClassAction.org to verify your claim status. Contact the settlement administrator directly using information on the official site — they can confirm whether your claim was approved and when payment should arrive.
Check your selected payment method. Monitor your bank account if you chose direct deposit or Zelle, or watch your mailbox if you selected a mailed check.
2. Payment amounts and distribution methods
Each approved claimant receives a base payment of $15, plus $1 for each month they paid the disputed fees, up to a maximum of $100 per person. Your actual amount depends on how long you paid the fees, the total number of valid claims, and administrative costs deducted from the fund.
Payments are being distributed via Zelle, direct deposit, or mailed checks depending on your selected method. Zelle and direct deposit payments arrive within days of processing, while mailed checks take several weeks due to postal delivery.
3. Who was eligible and why it matters
Customers with postpaid wireless or data plans between January 1, 2016 and November 8, 2023 qualified if they were charged administrative or telco recovery fees and filed claims by the deadline. Customers who opted out of the settlement are not eligible.
The case highlights billing transparency issues in telecommunications. Verizon agreed to clearer billing disclosures going forward, and the settlement sets a precedent that could encourage greater oversight of postpaid billing practices across the industry.
How to contact the settlement administrator
Visit the official settlement website through established consumer protection portals to find verified contact information. Have your claim confirmation number ready when contacting them for faster assistance.
Do not respond to unsolicited emails or calls about the settlement. Scammers target settlement recipients. Only use official channels verified through the settlement website to avoid fraud.
Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!
