In July 2019, Capital One announced a massive data breach affecting over 100 million individuals in the U.S. and approximately 6 million in Canada. The breach involved sensitive personal information including names, addresses, credit scores, and in some cases, Social Security numbers. The attacker, a former Amazon Web Services employee, exploited a misconfigured firewall to access the data. Following this event, lawsuits were filed, leading to a consolidated class-action lawsuit that resulted in a substantial settlement agreement.
What the Settlement Covers in 2025
As of May 2025, Capital One has agreed to a settlement totaling $190 million to compensate those affected. The settlement is intended to cover several types of losses:
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to the breach (such as identity theft recovery costs)
- Time spent addressing issues from the breach (up to 15 hours at a set hourly rate)
- Identity protection services for affected consumers
Here’s a summary of what claimants can expect:
Type of Compensation |
Amount/Details |
|---|---|
Out-of-pocket expenses |
Up to $25,000 per person with documentation |
Time compensation |
Up to 15 hours @ $25/hour (or $250 flat rate w/o proof) |
Credit monitoring |
Free identity protection and credit monitoring services |
Settlement deadline |
Final claims accepted until August 22, 2025 |
Who Is Eligible for the Settlement
Eligibility hinges on whether your data was impacted by the breach. Anyone whose information was accessed or potentially exposed during the 2019 incident is eligible. Notifications were sent via email and postal mail, but you can still verify eligibility through the official settlement website using the unique ID provided or by submitting your information for confirmation.
Even if you did not suffer direct losses, you are still eligible for time reimbursement and identity protection services. If you experienced fraud or identity theft due to the breach, you may claim documented expenses and more substantial compensation.
How to File a Claim in 2025
Filing a claim is still possible as of May 2025. The process is managed through the official Capital One settlement website. To file:
- Visit the site and locate the claim form.
- Enter your unique claimant ID or confirm eligibility manually.
- Submit documentation for any losses or time spent.
- Choose whether to receive credit monitoring services.
Claims must be submitted by August 22, 2025, which is the final deadline. Claims submitted after this date will not be processed.
When Will Payments Be Distributed?
Payments are expected to be distributed in late 2025. While the initial approval occurred in 2022, ongoing legal procedures and administrative processing delayed final payouts. The court issued final approval in late 2023, and disbursements began in early 2024, but many claimants are still awaiting full compensation. If you’ve submitted a valid claim, you can expect to receive payment or service confirmation by November 2025.
Those who selected digital payment methods (such as PayPal, Venmo, or direct deposit) may receive funds faster than those who opted for checks. Identity monitoring services are typically activated within weeks of claim approval.
Conclusion
The Capital One data breach remains one of the most significant cybersecurity failures in U.S. financial history. The $190 million settlement offers some relief for affected individuals, particularly those who experienced fraud or incurred costs. With the August 22, 2025 deadline approaching, eligible individuals should act promptly to ensure they claim their compensation. Whether it’s reimbursement for time, expenses, or identity protection, this is a critical opportunity to secure what you’re entitled to.
FAQ
How do I know if I’m eligible for the Capital One settlement?
If your personal information was exposed in the 2019 breach, you’re eligible. Use the official settlement website to check your eligibility.
What kind of documentation is required for out-of-pocket expenses?
Receipts, billing statements, police reports, or any official record showing the loss or expense related to the breach.
Can I still file if I lost my claim ID?
Yes. You can manually verify your identity and eligibility on the settlement site without a claim ID.
How long does it take to receive payment?
Payments may take several months, but most approved claims will be paid by November 2025.
Is the settlement taxable?
Generally, compensation for time and documented losses is not considered taxable income, but consult a tax advisor for specifics.
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