Verizon’s $100 Million Settlement: Are You Eligible and How to Claim Your Payment?
The lawsuit claimed that Verizon added extra charges and hidden fees to customer bills for years, without making them clear.
Why Was There a Lawsuit?
The lawsuit said Verizon included fees called “administrative charges” and “telecommunications recovery fees” in postpaid plans.
These fees were only a few dollars each month, but they were charged to millions of customers from January 2016 to November 2023.
Verizon did not say they did anything wrong, but agreed to the settlement to avoid future legal expenses and to “put the matter to rest.”
How Does the Settlement Work?
Verizon created a $100 million fund to pay eligible customers. If you qualify, you can get a basic payment of $15. On top of that, you receive $1 for each month you were charged these hidden fees, up to a maximum of $100 per person.
The payments started going out in mid-2025, and customers are receiving their money by Zelle, direct deposit, or mailed checks.
The exact amount each person gets depends on how long they were charged the fees, whether their claim is valid, and other administrative details.
Who Can Get a Payment?
To get money from the settlement, you needed to have a Verizon postpaid plan between 2016 and 2023 and submit a valid claim by April 15, 2024. If you did not file a claim on time, you are not eligible for a payment.
Why Is This Important?
While the individual payments are not very large, the lawsuit was important for another reason. Consumer groups have warned for years about hidden fees that make services look cheaper than they really are.
This settlement shows the need for clearer billing and could lead to new rules for phone and internet companies.
Government agencies like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are interested in making bills more transparent, and this case may inspire more lawsuits or changes in regulations.
What’s Next for Customers?
Even if you don’t get a payment, you might benefit in other ways. Verizon has promised to make its bills and contracts easier to understand, with fewer confusing charges.
In summary, this case is a reminder that small hidden fees, when charged to millions of customers, can have a big impact. It also shows that people are increasingly asking for honesty and transparency from large companies.
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