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Scale AI $12.5 Million Wage And Hour Class Action Settlement
By the Class Action Buddy Editorial Team · Last reviewed August 21, 2026 · ✓ verified against https://mckinneyscaleaisettlement.com/
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Who Is Eligible?
You may be eligible to file a claim if you:
- You performed "contributor" work — such as a generative AI annotator, prompt engineer, subject-matter expert, or similar role — for Scale AI or Smart Ecosystem, or were placed by HireArt to do similar work, as an independent contractor.
- You did that work while residing in California between December 10, 2020 and February 28, 2026 (the class period).
- You have a California address tied to an account on the defendants' platforms (such as Outlier or Remotasks), a tax form or wage statement, or other proof you performed the work in California.
- A subset called "aggrieved employees" — anyone who did this work while living in California between October 29, 2023 and February 28, 2026 — is also covered by the settlement's PAGA (California Private Attorneys General Act) portion.
- The settlement administrator uses company records to determine your workweeks and pay periods, which drive your payment amount.
How Much Can You Get?
The $12.5 million fund has two parts. The class settlement pays each participating class member based on how many weeks they worked during the December 2020 to February 2026 class period. The PAGA settlement sets aside $175,000 to divide among "aggrieved employees" based on the pay periods they worked during the shorter October 2023 to February 2026 PAGA window, with another $325,000 going to California's Labor and Workforce Development Agency. After deductions — up to $4.17 million in attorneys' fees, up to $100,000 each for administration and litigation costs, up to $90,000 in service awards, and the $500,000 in PAGA penalties — the estimated net available for class members is about $7.54 million. Because there is no fixed amount, your check reflects your own workweeks and pay periods. If more than $10,000 goes uncashed after the void date, the administrator makes a second pro-rata distribution to everyone who cashed their first check.How to File Your Claim
File with the administrator:
- Do nothing to receive your money — there is no claim form. If you are a class member, the administrator (Simpluris) automatically mails you a check that includes your class payment and any PAGA payment.
- Make sure the administrator has your current mailing address, especially if you have moved, so your check reaches you.
- Check the first two pages of your mailed notice, which state the number of class workweeks and PAGA pay periods credited to you. If those numbers look wrong, submit a written challenge with supporting documents (like pay stubs) by September 3, 2026.
- You can opt out of the class settlement (though not the PAGA portion) with a written, signed request for exclusion by September 3, 2026; opting out means no class payment. You can also object by that date.
- Contact the administrator at info@McKinneyScaleAISettlement.com or 833-234-6281. The final approval hearing is scheduled for October 30, 2026, and payments follow final approval.
File this one with the administrator
Class Action Buddy does not file this settlement for you — use the official claim process above. What the app does do is watch the open settlements list and tell you when a new one matches your profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline to file a claim for the Scale AI $12.5 Million Wage And Hour Class Action Settlement?
The current deadline to file a claim is Sep 03, 2026. Claims sent by mail must be postmarked by this date, so allow about a week for delivery if you are not filing online.
Do I need proof of purchase for the Scale AI $12.5 Million Wage And Hour Class Action Settlement?
No proof of purchase is required — you can typically file based on a sworn statement, without receipts, photos, or product packaging. Note: some settlements still require a Claimant ID or PIN from a mailed notice; if this one does, it will be shown on the official claim form.
How do I file a claim for the Scale AI $12.5 Million Wage And Hour Class Action Settlement?
File directly with the settlement administrator, using the official claim form linked on this page. Class Action Buddy does not support this settlement in the app, so the administrator’s own claim process is the route. Check whether the form asks for an ID or PIN from the notice you were sent before you start.
Who qualifies for the Scale AI wage-and-hour settlement?
Independent contractors who did 'contributor' work — such as AI data annotation, prompt engineering, or subject-matter expertise — for Scale AI or Smart Ecosystem, or were placed by HireArt, while living in California between December 10, 2020 and February 28, 2026. Work on platforms like Outlier or Remotasks with a California address on file typically qualifies.
Do I need to file a claim for the Scale AI settlement?
No. There is no claim form. The administrator, Simpluris, uses company records to calculate your workweeks and automatically mails you a check. Just make sure they have your current mailing address.
How much will I get from the Scale AI settlement?
It varies. Your payment is based on how many weeks you worked during the class period, plus pay periods during the PAGA period if eligible. The $12.5 million fund leaves an estimated net of about $7.54 million for class members after fees, costs, and PAGA penalties, so there is no single fixed amount.
What is the September 3, 2026 deadline for the Scale AI settlement?
September 3, 2026 is the deadline to opt out of the class settlement, object to it, or challenge the number of workweeks or pay periods credited to you — not a claim deadline. If you do nothing and you qualify, you will still receive an automatic payment.
What is PAGA and does it affect my Scale AI payment?
PAGA is California's Private Attorneys General Act. A separate $175,000 is divided among 'aggrieved employees' who worked between October 29, 2023 and February 28, 2026, based on pay periods, with $325,000 going to the state. If you are a PAGA worker, you cannot opt out of the PAGA portion, and any PAGA payment is added to your check.
What was the Scale AI lawsuit about?
McKinney v. Scale AI (San Francisco Superior Court, Case No. CGC-24-620481) alleged Scale AI, Smart Ecosystem, and HireArt misclassified contributors as independent contractors and failed to pay proper wages and overtime, reimburse business expenses, and follow other California labor laws. The companies deny wrongdoing and settled.
Primary source: official settlement administrator — mckinneyscaleaisettlement.com. The settlement details on this page were checked against the administrator’s official website.
Class Action Buddy is an independent directory and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the settlement administrator or the court. This page is general information, not legal advice. See how we verify settlements.
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