Help center
Settlement Help & FAQ
Straight answers about claiming class-action and refund settlements — how filing works, proof and deadlines, tracking your claims, and how to spot a scam. Browsing and tracking are free, and SettleSignal is not a law firm: we link you to official claim forms and never take a cut of any payout.
Getting started
What is SettleSignal?
SettleSignal is a free tracker for verified US class-action and refund settlements. We trace every field to an official source — a court order, the settlement administrator's site, or a government refund page — and show the authority and the date we checked, so you can confirm it yourself. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice.
Is it really free?
Yes. Browsing, searching, and tracking settlements is free. SettleSignal never charges you and never takes a cut of any payout — payments are issued by the settlement administrator, not by us.
Do I need an account?
No. The full catalog is open to everyone. A free account adds a personal workspace: save settlements, track each claim's status and deadline, and keep the IDs from your mailed notices in one place.
Filing a claim
How do I file a settlement claim?
Open the settlement record and use the official claim form we link to — you file directly with the administrator. Each record shows what the form asks for, whether proof is required, and the deadline.
Do I need receipts or proof?
It depends on the settlement. Some pay with no proof required; others ask for documentation. We show each settlement's proof requirement on its record, and our “no receipt needed” list collects the ones that don't require proof.
What if I threw away the mailed notice?
Many forms ask for a Notice ID or Class Member ID from the letter, but most also offer an “I didn't receive a notice” path. Your saved-claim workspace stores any IDs you have and links you to the administrator's channel to recover a lost one.
When will I get paid?
Payment timing is set by the court and the administrator — usually after a final -approval hearing and any appeal period. We track each settlement's payment status on its record and the payout tracker. We can't promise an amount or date.
Tracking & alerts
How do I keep track of my claims?
Save any settlement to your workspace to track its status, deadline, and the amount you receive. Your dashboard surfaces what needs action soon, what's filed, and what has paid out.
Will you remind me before a deadline?
Yes. For saved claims with reminders enabled, we schedule deadline reminders as the date approaches. Real-time alerts are delivered through browser push notifications.
Can I get alerts for new settlements?
Yes. Save a search from the catalog filters and we check new verified settlements against it, then surface the matches in your alert center.
Safety & scams
How do I know a settlement is legitimate?
A real settlement runs through an official court-approved process and never asks you to pay to claim. Every record we publish links to its official source. If anyone asks for payment or your full SSN up front to “release” a settlement, treat it as a scam.
Does claiming affect my credit or taxes?
Browsing and claiming do not affect your credit. Some settlement payments may be taxable depending on the type of relief; the administrator and official guidance govern that. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal or tax advice.
Is my information safe?
We don't file on your behalf and we don't sell your data. The notice IDs you store in your workspace are encrypted at rest, and you can delete your account and its data at any time.