If you’ve ever had an AT&T account—whether you’re still using their services or parted ways years ago—you may be eligible for a payout.

That’s right: following two major data breaches, AT&T has agreed to a substantial settlement, and tens of millions of Americans could qualify.

So, what happened, how does it affect you, and what steps should you take to claim what you're owed?

What happened? A timeline of the AT&T data breaches​

The first breach dates back to 2019, when hackers accessed sensitive personal data from more than 51 million AT&T customers.

This included Social Security numbers, birth dates, and account details—information that can easily be used for identity theft.

AT&T didn’t publicly confirm the breach until March 2024, sparking widespread concern and multiple lawsuits.


Then, in April 2024, a second breach made headlines: this time, a hacker illegally downloaded call and text records for nearly every AT&T customer between May 1, 2022 and October 31, 2022.

The breach stemmed from a flaw in a third-party cloud platform AT&T had used.

While the company has denied any wrongdoing, public backlash and legal pressure prompted a substantial class-action settlement.



Also read: Were you affected by this data breach? You could claim up to $53,000

The settlement: What’s on the table?​

In total, AT&T has agreed to pay $177 million:

• $149 million tied to the 2019 data breach.
• $28 million for the 2024 call-record hack.

That may sound like a lot, but with over 51 million people affected, the payout per person will vary depending on how many claims are filed and whether individuals can prove financial loss.



Also read: $5.4 million drug settlement opens claims for eligible payers in 29 states

Here’s how compensation breaks down:

• For the 2019 breach: You could receive up to $5,000 for documented financial losses (like identity theft or fraud).
• For the 2024 breach: Eligible customers may claim up to $2,500 for proven damages.

When will you get paid?​

A federal judge in Texas has already granted preliminary approval.

The claims process officially opens on August 4.

A final approval hearing is scheduled for December 3, and if the court gives the green light, payouts are expected in early 2026.

Read next: Older Americans impacted as T-Mobile settlement hits delay—here’s how to protect your info


Have you been affected by the AT&T breach? Have you ever had to deal with the fallout of identity theft? Got tips for staying safe online? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below—your insights might help someone else avoid future trouble.