How the Amazon Prime Settlement Payment Works and Who Gets It
What the Amazon Prime settlement is and who receives the payment
Amazon agreed to pay out money to people who were charged for Amazon Prime without their clear consent between 2013 and 2015. The settlement came from a lawsuit about how Amazon's sign-up process worked during that period. If you had an Amazon account during those years and were charged for Prime membership, you may receive a payment from this settlement fund.
The payment is not automatic. You had to submit a claim form to the settlement administrator to receive money. The claim period has already closed, so if you did not file a claim during the open window, you cannot file one now. However, if you filed a claim and are waiting for payment, or if you received a claim form and are unsure what to do with it, this guide explains how the process works.
Settlement payments come from a fund set aside by Amazon specifically for this lawsuit. The amount each person receives depends on how many valid claims were filed. If 100,000 people filed claims and the fund held $5 million, each person would receive roughly $50, though the actual math is more complex because some claims are worth more than others based on how many times they were charged.
Key Takeaways
- The claim period for this settlement has closed, so you cannot file a new claim if you missed the deadline.
- If you filed a claim during the open period, you should have received a confirmation number or email from the settlement administrator.
- Payments are distributed in waves, so even if your claim was approved, the actual payment may take several months to arrive.
- You can check the status of your claim by contacting the settlement administrator with your claim number or the email address you used to file.
- If you received a check from this settlement and it has expired, you may still be able to cash it or request a replacement depending on the settlement terms.
How to check if your claim was approved
If you filed a claim during the open period, the settlement administrator sent you a confirmation. Look for an email from the claims administrator (the company handling the settlement) or check any paperwork that came with your claim form. Your confirmation should include a claim number or reference code.
To check your claim status, visit the settlement website or contact the claims administrator directly. You will need either your claim number or the email address you used when you filed. The administrator can tell you whether your claim was approved, denied, or is still being reviewed. If you cannot find your confirmation number, provide your name, email, and the dates you believe you were charged for Prime.
Approved claims do not all pay out at the same time. The settlement administrator distributes payments in batches, which means your claim could be approved but your payment might not arrive for weeks or months. This is normal and does not mean there is a problem with your claim.
When and how you will receive your payment
Settlement payments are sent by check mailed to the address on file with your claim. The administrator will not deposit money directly into your bank account or send it through PayPal or any other digital method. Watch your mailbox for a check from the settlement fund.
The timeline varies. Some people receive checks within a few weeks of approval; others wait two to three months. If you moved since you filed your claim, the check might be sent to an old address. If you do not receive a check within the timeframe stated in the settlement notice, contact the claims administrator to verify your mailing address is correct.
Checks from settlements typically expire after a certain period, often 180 days or one year depending on the settlement terms. If you receive a check and do not cash it before it expires, you may still be able to cash it at your bank, or you can request a replacement check from the administrator. Do not throw away an expired check without contacting the administrator first.
What to do if you did not receive a check or your check expired
If your claim was approved but you never received a check, contact the settlement administrator immediately. Provide your claim number and the address where you expected the check to arrive. The administrator can reissue a check or investigate whether it was lost in the mail.
If your check expired before you could cash it, do not panic. Most settlement administrators will issue a replacement check if you request one within a reasonable time. Call or email the administrator with your claim number and explain that your check expired. They will send you a new one, though this process can take several weeks.
If you cashed an expired check and your bank rejected it, contact your bank first to understand what happened. Then reach out to the settlement administrator to request a replacement. Keep records of any correspondence with your bank about the rejected check, as the administrator may ask for proof.
If your claim was denied or you have questions about the amount
If the settlement administrator denied your claim, they should have sent you a written explanation of why. Common reasons for denial include: you did not have an Amazon account during the claim period, you were not charged for Prime, or your claim form was incomplete or submitted after the deadline.
If you believe your claim was denied in error, you may have the right to appeal. The settlement notice or the administrator's denial letter should explain the appeal process and any deadline for filing an appeal. Appeals typically require you to submit additional documentation, such as bank statements or credit card records showing the charges you claim were made.
If you have questions about the amount you received or believe you were charged more times than your claim reflects, contact the administrator with documentation of the additional charges. They can review your account history, though they can only adjust your payment if the settlement terms allow it and if you provide clear proof of the extra charges.
Understanding the settlement terms and your rights
The Amazon Prime settlement has specific rules about who can claim money, how much the fund contains, and how long you have to cash your check. These rules are laid out in the settlement agreement, which is a legal document that both Amazon and the people suing agreed to.
By filing a claim, you agreed to release Amazon from any further legal action related to these Prime charges. This means you cannot sue Amazon separately over the same issue. However, this settlement covers only charges from 2013 to 2015. If you were charged for Prime without consent at a different time, that would be a separate matter.
If you have questions about what you gave up by accepting the settlement or whether the settlement applies to your situation, you can contact the settlement administrator or review the full settlement agreement, which is usually posted on the settlement website.
How to contact the settlement administrator
The settlement administrator is the company responsible for receiving claims, reviewing them, and sending out payments. Their contact information should be on any paperwork you received about this settlement, including the claim form or confirmation email.
You can typically reach the administrator by phone, email, or mail. Have your claim number ready when you contact them. If you do not have a claim number, provide your full name, the email address you used to file, and any dates or reference numbers you remember from your claim submission.
Response times vary, but most administrators aim to answer inquiries within one to two weeks. If you do not hear back, follow up with a second contact. Keep records of every time you reach out, including the date, the person you spoke with (if by phone), and what they told you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a claim now if I missed the deadline?
No. The claim period for this settlement has closed. You cannot file a new claim after the deadline has passed. If you believe you have a valid claim, contact the settlement administrator to ask whether any exceptions exist, though most settlements do not allow late claims.
What if I filed a claim but never got a confirmation number?
Contact the settlement administrator with your name and email address. They can search their records to see whether your claim was received and processed. If it was not received, ask whether the deadline has passed and whether you can still file. If the deadline is closed, you may not be able to file a new claim.
Do I have to pay taxes on my settlement payment?
Settlement payments are sometimes taxable income, depending on what the settlement covers and your tax situation. The settlement administrator or the settlement notice should include information about tax reporting. You may receive a tax form (such as a 1099) for the amount you received. Consult a tax professional if you are unsure whether to report the payment on your tax return.
What if I moved and my check was sent to an old address?
Contact the settlement administrator with your new address and claim number. They can confirm whether a check was mailed to your old address and can reissue a check to your current address. Provide your new address in writing and keep a copy of your request for your records.
Can I get my payment in a different form, like direct deposit?
Most settlement administrators send payments by check only. Direct deposit, PayPal, or other digital payment methods are not usually available. If you have a strong reason to request an alternative payment method, contact the administrator to ask, though they may not be able to accommodate the request.