How to Claim Your Facebook Privacy Settlement Payment
What the Facebook settlement covers and who can claim it
Facebook (now Meta) settled a lawsuit over how it collected and used biometric data—specifically, facial recognition information from photos and videos—without clear permission from users. The settlement created a fund to pay people whose biometric data was used this way between May 2015 and April 2021. If you had a Facebook account during that time and your face was scanned or tagged in photos, you may be may have access to to a payment from this fund.
The settlement does not require you to prove your face was actually scanned. Instead, it covers all Facebook users in the United States who had an account during the relevant period. The amount you receive depends on how many valid claims are submitted—more claims mean a smaller individual payment, because the fund is divided among all claimants.
You do not need to do anything to receive a payment if you already submitted a claim. If you have not yet claimed, you can still do so, but there are deadlines you need to know about.
Key Takeaways
- The Facebook biometric data settlement pays U.S. Facebook users whose facial recognition information was collected between May 2015 and April 2021, whether or not you actively used the feature.
- You must submit a claim form to receive payment; the money does not arrive automatically even if you are may be able to access.
- The claim deadline has already passed, but you may still be able to claim if you file an objection or late claim through the settlement administrator.
- Payment amounts vary based on the total number of claims filed, typically ranging from $100 to $550 per person depending on the claim period and fund size.
- Payments are sent by check or electronic transfer; you will receive a notice in the mail or email telling you when and how your payment is coming.
How to check if you already have a pending claim
If you submitted a claim during the original claim period, your status is tracked by the settlement administrator, which is currently Angeion Group. You can check whether your claim was received and processed by visiting the official settlement website or calling the claims administrator directly.
To find your claim status, you will need your Facebook account email address or the phone number you used to register. Have this information ready before you contact the administrator. They can tell you whether your claim was approved, denied, or is still being reviewed. If your claim was approved, they can also tell you approximately when you should expect payment.
If you never received a confirmation that your claim was submitted, or if you are unsure whether you filed one, contact the administrator to ask. It is better to confirm now than to miss a payment that is owed to you.
What to do if the claim deadline has passed
The original deadline to submit a claim has already closed. However, the settlement allows for late claims under certain circumstances. If you missed the deadline, you can file a late claim request through the settlement administrator, but you will need to explain why your claim was late.
Common reasons that may be accepted include: you did not receive notice of the settlement, you were unaware of the deadline, or you had a valid reason you could not file on time. The administrator will review your request and decide whether to allow your late claim. There is no may provide your late claim will be accepted, but it costs nothing to submit one.
You can also file an objection to the settlement itself if you believe the terms are unfair. An objection does not prevent you from receiving a payment if you have already claimed; instead, it is a formal way to register disagreement with how the settlement was structured. Objections must follow specific procedures and deadlines set by the court, so contact the administrator for current deadlines and instructions.
Understanding payment amounts and timing
The settlement fund is a fixed amount of money that is divided among all approved claimants. This means your individual payment depends on how many other people also claimed. If 100,000 people claim, each person receives a larger share than if 500,000 people claim. The settlement administrator publishes the total number of claims and the per-person payment amount once all claims are processed.
Payment amounts have historically ranged from roughly $100 to $550 per person, but the exact amount for your claim depends on when your account was active during the settlement period and how many total claims are filed. You will receive a notice in the mail or by email that tells you your specific payment amount before the money is sent.
Payments are typically sent by check mailed to your address on file, or by electronic transfer (ACH) to a bank account if you provided one during the claim process. Processing and mailing can take several weeks after the final approval date. If you move after filing your claim, update your address with the settlement administrator so your check reaches you.
What happens if you do not receive your payment
If you were approved for a payment but do not receive it within the timeframe stated in your notice, contact the settlement administrator immediately. Checks can be lost in the mail, and electronic transfers can fail if your bank account information changed. The administrator can reissue a payment or investigate what happened.
Keep any notices you receive from the settlement administrator, including the one that tells you your payment amount and expected delivery date. If you need to follow up, having these documents will help the administrator locate your claim quickly. If your check was lost or never arrived, the administrator can issue a replacement.
If you believe you were wrongly denied a payment, you can request a review of the denial decision. This process is separate from filing a late claim. Explain why you think the denial was incorrect and provide any documentation that supports your claim—for example, proof that you had a Facebook account during the settlement period.
How to update your contact information with the settlement administrator
If you move, change your phone number, or change your email address after filing your claim, you should update this information with the settlement administrator. This ensures that payment notices and checks reach you. You can update your information by phone, mail, or through the settlement website if one is available.
When you contact the administrator, have your original claim confirmation number or the email address you used to file ready. The administrator will verify your identity and update your records. If you have already received a payment notice, update your address before the payment is mailed.
Distinguishing this settlement from other Facebook-related claims
Facebook has faced multiple lawsuits and settlements over the years. This particular settlement is specifically about biometric data and facial recognition. Other settlements have covered different issues, such as privacy violations related to the Cambridge Analytica scandal or data breaches. Do not confuse this settlement with others; each has its own claim process and deadline.
If you are unsure which settlement you may be may be able to access for, the settlement administrator for this biometric data case can clarify. They can also direct you to information about other Facebook settlements if you ask. Each settlement is administered separately, so you may be able to claim under more than one if you meet the requirements for each.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay taxes on the settlement payment I receive?
Settlement payments may be taxable income depending on your circumstances and the IRS rules that apply. The settlement administrator will send you a tax form (usually a 1099) if the payment is considered taxable. Consult a tax professional or the IRS website to understand how this payment affects your taxes.
Can I claim if I deleted my Facebook account?
Yes. The settlement covers anyone who had a Facebook account during the relevant period, regardless of whether the account still exists. You do not need an active account to claim or receive payment.
What if I have multiple Facebook accounts?
You can only claim once per person, even if you had more than one account. If you filed claims under multiple accounts, contact the settlement administrator to consolidate them into a single claim to avoid duplicate payments.
How do I know if my claim was actually submitted?
The settlement administrator will send you a confirmation notice by mail or email after your claim is received. If you filed online, you should have received a confirmation page or email. Check your email spam folder in case the confirmation went there. If you never received confirmation, call the administrator to verify whether your claim was submitted.
Can I withdraw my claim after I have submitted it?
Once a claim is submitted and approved, you generally cannot withdraw it. If you want to object to the settlement itself rather than claim a payment, you must file an objection before the objection deadline. Contact the settlement administrator for the current deadline and procedures.