Equifax Finally Starts Sending Out Cash: Here’s How to Get Your Share

After nearly eight years of legal battles, Equifax is finally sending out payments to individuals impacted by the massive 2017 data breach. Claimants who submitted valid claims are now receiving checks in the mail. This marks a significant step in resolving one of the biggest data breaches in U.S. history.

What Happened in 2017?

In 2017, Equifax, one of the nation’s three major credit reporting agencies, suffered a breach that exposed the personal data of 147 million Americans. Names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, and addresses were all compromised. As a result, millions of consumers were left vulnerable to identity theft.

In response to the breach, Equifax reached a legal settlement in 2019. The deal included financial compensation for those affected, along with free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services. While the settlement was approved by a judge in 2020, it took years to get the payment process moving.

What Are the Payments For?

The settlement allows impacted consumers to either receive cash compensation or free credit monitoring. Those who selected the cash option could receive up to $125. However, the exact amount each person gets depends on how many claims are filed and how much money is left after administrative costs are covered.

Checks Are Now Being Sent

As of April 2025, people who filed for cash payments are finally getting their checks. The payments are being mailed out now, with most claimants expecting to receive them by summer 2025. For those who chose credit monitoring, services are set to begin soon if they haven’t already.

If you’re one of the people waiting for a check, it’s time to check your mail. If you haven’t received anything yet, you may want to confirm the status of your claim. You can do this through the settlement administrator’s website.

What Should Claimants Do Now?

If you haven’t received your payment, don’t panic. First, double-check that your claim was processed correctly. If there’s a problem or you think you should have received a payment, reach out to the settlement administrator for clarification.

The process has taken years, but this is a big step toward closing the chapter on the Equifax breach. Those still waiting for their payments can expect the distribution to continue through 2025. For more details on the settlement and how to track your payment, visit the official Equifax settlement website.

Key Takeaways

• Payments for the Equifax class action settlement have begun.

• Eligible claimants are receiving checks by mail.

• Cash payments can be up to $125 or individuals can opt for credit monitoring.

• Most payments will be completed by summer 2025.

If you’re impacted by the breach, keep an eye on your mailbox for your settlement check or details about credit monitoring services.