How Do I Update My Address on a Class Action Claim?
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
- Settlement website portal. Log in with your claim ID and email. Most administrators have a "Update my info" tab. Save the confirmation.
- 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.
- 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:
- File a USPS Change-of-Address (free online at moversguide.usps.com) — forwards mail to your new address.
- Most class action checks will follow the forwarding order, even without notifying the administrator.
- 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