Right now, there are dozens of class action settlements open and accepting claims. Some of them will pay you $25. Some will pay you $200. Many of them do not require proof of purchase. And most people have no idea they exist.
The problem is not that settlements are hard to file — it is that they are hard to find. Settlement notices get buried in junk mail, legal websites are designed for lawyers rather than consumers, and nobody has time to manually check settlement databases every week.
This guide covers every reliable method for finding class action settlements, how to check if you qualify, and how to set up a system so you never miss one.
Method 1: Use a Settlement Tracking App
The most efficient way to find and file class action settlements is to use a dedicated app. Instead of searching for settlements yourself, the app brings them to you.
Class Action Buddy is built specifically for this purpose. Here is how it works:
- You set up a profile with your name, address, and basic information.
- The app shows you all open settlements you can file.
- When you select a settlement, the app auto-fills the claim form with your profile data.
- You review the form, add an electronic signature, and submit.
- The app sends you reminders before deadlines close.
Most claims take under 2 minutes from start to finish. The app focuses on settlements that do not require proof of purchase, which means you can file without digging up old receipts.
For a comparison of all the major tools available, see our guide to the best apps and websites for finding class action lawsuits.
Method 2: Check Settlement Databases Online
If you prefer to search manually, several websites maintain databases of open settlements:
TopClassActions.com
The largest consumer-focused class action website. It lists both open settlements (where you can file claims now) and pending lawsuits (where the settlement has not been finalized yet). The site publishes new settlements daily and covers everything from consumer products to data breaches to employment cases.
Best for: Browsing a wide range of settlements and reading about pending cases.
Limitation: You still need to fill out each claim form manually on the settlement administrator's website.
ClassAction.org
Similar to TopClassActions but with more editorial coverage of lawsuits in progress. It has a good search function and categorizes settlements by type (product, data breach, employment, etc.).
Best for: Staying informed about new lawsuits and understanding the legal background of each case.
Settlement administration websites
When a class action settles, the court appoints a settlement administrator (companies like Epiq, KCC, or JND Legal Administration) to manage the claims process. Each settlement has its own website with the claim form, settlement notice, and deadline. These are the most authoritative sources, but you need to know the settlement exists before you can find its website.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
The CFPB tracks settlements involving financial products and services. If your bank or credit card company was involved in a class action, the CFPB's website is a good place to check.
FTC Refunds Page
The Federal Trade Commission runs its own refund programs for cases it has prosecuted. These are not technically class actions, but they work similarly — you check if you were affected, file a claim, and receive a payment.
Method 3: Watch Your Mail and Email
When a class action settlement is approved, the court requires that class members be notified. This notification can come via:
- Physical mail: If the company has your mailing address (from a warranty registration, loyalty program, or purchase record), you may receive a postcard or letter about the settlement.
- Email: Companies with your email address may send settlement notices electronically. These often look like spam and get filtered into junk folders.
- Published notices: Some settlements are announced in newspapers, magazines, or online publications.
The catch: Most settlement notices are easy to miss. Physical mail looks like junk. Emails end up in spam. If you rely solely on being notified, you will miss most settlements you qualify for.
Method 4: Search for Specific Products
If you recently heard about a product recall or lawsuit, you can search directly for that settlement:
- Search Google for the product name plus "class action settlement" (e.g., "Tom's of Maine toothpaste class action settlement").
- Look for the official settlement website in the results. It will usually have a domain like
[productname]settlement.comor be hosted on the settlement administrator's site. - Fill out the claim form before the deadline.
This method works when you already know about a specific settlement. It does not help you discover settlements you did not know existed.
Stop Searching, Start Collecting
Class Action Buddy does the searching for you. The app tracks every open settlement and sends you deadline reminders. File claims in under 2 minutes with auto-filled forms.
How to Check If You Qualify for a Settlement
Once you find a settlement, here is how to determine if you are eligible:
Step 1: Read the Settlement Notice
Every settlement has a "notice" document that explains who qualifies. Look for the section titled "Who is included?" or "Class definition." This will specify the product(s) covered, the purchase date range, and any geographic restrictions.
Step 2: Check the Product List
Some settlements cover specific products or UPC codes. Make sure the exact product you purchased is included. For example, the Differin settlement covers specific Differin acne product lines, not all Galderma products.
Step 3: Verify Your Location
Some settlements are limited to specific states. The Beef Price-Fixing settlement covers 27 states, the Joint Juice settlement covers 9 states, and the Cosequin settlement is California only. If you are not in an eligible state, you cannot file.
Step 4: Check the Deadline
Every settlement has a firm deadline after which no new claims are accepted. If the deadline has passed, you cannot file. If it is approaching, file immediately — do not wait.
Step 5: Determine Proof Requirements
Check whether the settlement requires proof of purchase. Many do not — see our complete list of no-proof settlements. If proof is required, look for receipts, order confirmations, bank statements, or loyalty program records.
Building a System to Never Miss Settlements
The people who collect the most from class action settlements are the ones with a system. Here is what works:
Automated Approach (Recommended)
- Download Class Action Buddy and set up your profile.
- Enable notifications. The app sends reminders when new settlements are available and before deadlines close.
- File claims as they come in. Most take under 2 minutes.
- Keep your address updated. Make sure your mailing address is current so checks reach you.
Manual Approach
- Set a monthly calendar reminder to check TopClassActions.com and ClassAction.org for new settlements.
- Sign up for email alerts from TopClassActions.com (they send weekly digests of new settlements).
- Do not throw away settlement notices. When you receive mail about a class action, set it aside and file the claim within a week.
- Check your email spam folder periodically for settlement notifications.
- Save receipts. Going forward, take a photo of receipts for purchases over $10. This qualifies you for higher-tier payouts when settlements arise.
Common Mistakes That Cause People to Miss Settlements
- Assuming they do not qualify. Most people qualify for more settlements than they think. If you buy groceries, personal care products, pet supplies, or electronics, there are probably open settlements for products you have purchased.
- Waiting too long. "I'll file that later" is how deadlines get missed. File the day you find out about a settlement.
- Thinking the payout is too small. A $10 payout for 2 minutes of work is a $300/hour rate. Ten of those per year adds up.
- Not checking regularly. New settlements open every month. A one-time search is not enough — you need an ongoing system.
- Throwing away mail. Settlement notices look like junk mail. If something mentions "class action," "settlement," or "claim form," read it before recycling.
What Kinds of Products Have Class Action Settlements?
Class action settlements cover an enormous range of products and services. Here are the most common categories:
- Food and beverages: Mislabeled ingredients, contamination, false health claims (e.g., Balance of Nature, Waffle Recall)
- Personal care: False advertising, harmful ingredients (e.g., Differin, Tom's of Maine, Bayer Antifungal Spray)
- Pet products: Contamination, misleading claims (e.g., Salmonella Pet Food, PetSafe E-Collar, Cosequin)
- Electronics: Defective products, price-fixing (e.g., G.Skill RAM)
- Household goods: False advertising, defective products (e.g., Sealy Bedding)
- Data breaches: Companies that failed to protect your personal data (e.g., Equifax, T-Mobile). See our data breach settlement guide.
- Meat and groceries: Price-fixing conspiracies (e.g., Beef Settlement)
- Health supplements: Misleading efficacy claims (e.g., Joint Juice, Balance of Nature)
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find a list of open class action lawsuits?
The best sources include Class Action Buddy (mobile app with auto-filing), TopClassActions.com (largest database), ClassAction.org (news and listings), the CFPB website, and the FTC's refund page. For the most efficient approach, use Class Action Buddy which tracks settlements and lets you file in minutes.
How do I know if I qualify for a class action settlement?
How many class action settlements am I eligible for?
Most US adults qualify for at least 2-5 open settlements at any given time, based on common products they have purchased. People who buy a wide range of consumer products may qualify for even more.
Do I need a lawyer to join a class action settlement?
No. Class action settlements are designed so that class members can file claims on their own. The class attorneys have already done the legal work. You just need to fill out a claim form and submit it before the deadline.
What happens if I miss a class action settlement deadline?
If you miss the deadline, you cannot file a claim and will not receive any payment. Deadlines are strictly enforced. This is why using a deadline tracking tool like Class Action Buddy is important.