Claim Deadline December 24, 2025 — Eligible Class Members May Receive Cash and 24 Months of Dark Web Monitoring
An important class-action settlement has been reached in the case of University of Minnesota (U of M) and the aftermath of a 2021 data breach. Below is a detailed breakdown of the settlement, what it means for those affected, and how to make a claim.
What Happened
- In August 2021, the University of Minnesota announced that sensitive information stored in its Legacy Data Warehouse was compromised. (Top Class Actions)
- The compromised data reportedly included names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, driver’s license numbers, contact information, demographic data, application information, academic records, and employment information. (Top Class Actions)
- The case is filed as In re: Regents of the University of Minnesota Data Litigation, Case No. 27-CV-23-14056, in the Fourth Judicial District Court of the State of Minnesota. (Top Class Actions)
Who Is Eligible
- Individuals whose personal information was maintained in or accessible via the University of Minnesota’s Legacy Data Warehouse as of August 10, 2021. (Top Class Actions)
- This includes persons who submitted information as prospective students, attended the university as students, worked at the university as employees, or participated in university programs between 1989 and August 10, 2021. (Top Class Actions)
Settlement Terms & What You May Receive
- The total settlement fund is $5 million. (Top Class Actions)
- A class member who submits a valid claim form is eligible to receive:
- A cash payment of $30 (unless the number of valid claims exhausts the net settlement fund, in which case payments may be reduced on a pro-rata basis). (Top Class Actions)
- And/or 24 months of dark web monitoring if selected. (Top Class Actions)
- Note: The settlement does not appear to require “proof of purchase” but does require class members to provide identifying information (name, address, email, phone if available) so the administrator can confirm inclusion in the class. (Top Class Actions)
Important Deadlines
- Claim submission deadline: December 24, 2025. (Top Class Actions)
- Deadline to request exclusion or object to the settlement: December 29, 2025. (Top Class Actions)
- Final approval hearing scheduled for January 28, 2026. (Top Class Actions)
How to File a Claim
- Visit the settlement website provided: UofMDataSettlement.com (as listed on the TopClassActions page). (Top Class Actions)
- Complete and submit the claim form by December 24, 2025. Provide required identifying information to confirm you belong to the class.
- Decide whether you want the cash payment and/or the dark web monitoring benefit.
- Keep evidence or copy of your submission for your records.
Why It Matters
Data breaches involving universities are increasingly prominent because institutions hold large volumes of sensitive data spanning decades. This settlement reflects an acknowledgement (without admission of wrongdoing) by the University of Minnesota to resolve claims arising from the breach. (Top Class Actions)
Even though $30 may seem modest, the monitoring benefit can help protect against future identity theft or misuse of data. Also, by participating, class members ensure the claim fund is used rather than accumulating unused funds.
What to Consider
- Check eligibility carefully. If you were a prospective student, student, employee, or program participant between 1989 and August 10, 2021, you may qualify. If not, filing a claim may be invalid.
- Timely submission is crucial. Missing the December 24 2025 deadline likely forfeits the benefit.
- Monitor communications. After filing, stay alert for any emails or notifications from the claims administrator for next steps.
- Review terms. If pro-rata reductions become necessary (due to many valid claims), the $30 amount could decrease.
- Protect your identity. Regardless of the settlement, safeguarding your personal information and using credit monitoring / dark web monitoring is wise.
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✅ Step-by-Step Claim Filing Checklist
1. Visit the official settlement website:
🔗 www.UofMDataSettlement.com
2. Confirm you’re eligible:
You qualify if your personal information was maintained in or accessible via the University of Minnesota’s Legacy Data Warehouse as of August 10, 2021, including:
- Prospective students (applications submitted)
- Students (enrolled anytime 1989–2021)
- Employees or former employees
- Participants in university programs
3. Gather your identifying details:
You’ll need to provide:
- Full name
- Current mailing address
- Email and phone (if available)
- Any prior name or address used while affiliated with U of M
4. Choose your benefit option:
You may select one or both of these benefits:
- 💵 Cash payment — up to $30, subject to pro-rata adjustment
- 🕵️ 24-month dark web monitoring service
5. Complete the claim form:
- Fill it out directly on the settlement website or print and mail it to the claims administrator.
- Keep a copy or screenshot of your submission confirmation.
6. Meet the deadlines:
- Claim filing deadline: 🗓 December 24, 2025
- Opt-out / objection deadline: 🗓 December 29, 2025
- Final approval hearing: 🗓 January 28, 2026
7. Watch for updates:
Check your email or the settlement website periodically for updates about claim approval, payment dates, or other notifications.
