HomeBlog › How Do I Update My Address on a Class Action Claim?

How Do I Update My Address on a Class Action Claim?

🕑 3 min read·576 words

Updated June 16, 2026 · 4 min read · By Class Action Buddy

Short answer: Update your address through the settlement administrator's claim portal (most have a self-service tool), email the administrator with your claim ID and new address, or send a written notice. Do it before final approval — checks issued to old addresses get returned and re-issued in a second-distribution wave that may take 6-18 months.

For electronic payments (Venmo/Zelle): update your payment-method info on the portal instead of just your address. Some settlements use the payment-method handle for delivery rather than the mailing address.

How to update — 3 paths

  1. Settlement website portal. Log in with your claim ID and email. Most administrators have a "Update my info" tab. Save the confirmation.
  2. Email to the administrator. Send to the contact email listed on the settlement website. Include: your full name, claim ID, old address, new address, and date of move.
  3. Written notice. If the portal doesn't allow updates or email gets no response, mail a notarized letter to the administrator at the address on the settlement notice. Include all the same info plus your signature.

When the update matters most

  • Before final approval: Critical. The administrator builds the payment-distribution list based on the addresses on file. Update before this and your payment goes to the right place.
  • Between final approval and payment issuance: Still works for most cases — the administrator can typically update payment routing.
  • After payment is issued: The check goes to the old address. You can request a re-issue (typically 6-12 weeks) if it's returned undeliverable.

Setting up address forwarding as a backup

USPS mail forwarding lasts 12 months by default. If you moved within the last year:

  1. File a USPS Change-of-Address (free online at moversguide.usps.com) — forwards mail to your new address.
  2. Most class action checks will follow the forwarding order, even without notifying the administrator.
  3. After the forwarding period expires, undeliverable checks are returned to the administrator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I never updated my address and the check is returned?

The administrator's portal usually shows "check returned undeliverable." Contact them — they'll re-issue to your updated address. If the second-distribution wave has already happened, you may have to wait for it or appeal directly.

Can I have a check sent to a P.O. Box?

Yes. Most administrators accept P.O. Boxes for mailing addresses. For some banking/securities settlements, they may require a physical street address for ID verification; in that case, provide both.

What if I'm temporarily abroad?

Use a U.S. address (a parent, a forwarding service like Earth Class Mail, or your last known U.S. address). Most administrators cannot send checks to international addresses, and Venmo/Zelle are U.S.-only.

If I have multiple claims with the same administrator, do I update once or per-claim?

Per-claim, usually — each claim has its own record, and updating one doesn't automatically update others. Some administrators have a unified portal that propagates changes; check before assuming.

Never miss another deadline

Class Action Buddy notifies you when settlements you qualify for open — and auto-fills the claim form in 60 seconds.

App Store Google Play

Related

Open settlements → Deadline calendar → How to file a claim → Glossary →