If you received notice about the Nelnet Servicing Data Security Incident, you may be eligible for a payment from a $10,000,000 class action settlement.
You must file a claim to get paid — but no proof is required to submit a claim form.
Here’s what you need to know so you can decide quickly and take action.
Why This Lawsuit Exists?
Plaintiffs allege that the Settling Entities failed to implement reasonable data security measures to protect consumers’ personally identifiable information.
According to the lawsuit:
A Data Security Incident exposed sensitive information
Class members experienced or were exposed to fraud and identity theft
Consumers were otherwise harmed
Claims included:
Negligence and negligence per se
Breach of implied contract
Unjust enrichment
Breach of confidence
Intrusion upon seclusion
Violations of the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
Violations of state consumer protection statutes
The Settling Entities deny all wrongdoing, but agreed to settle to avoid the costs and uncertainty of continued litigation.
Who Qualifies?
You are a Settlement Class Member if you were notified that your personally identifiable information may have been impacted in the Nelnet Servicing Data Security Incident.
If you received a notice about this settlement, that likely means you are included.
How Much Can You Get?
Total Settlement Fund: $10,000,000
Payments will come from this fund after:
Claims administration costs
Attorneys’ fees and expenses
Service awards for named plaintiffs
Your individual payment will depend on:
The number of valid claims submitted
The terms outlined in the Settlement Agreement
You must file a claim form to receive money.
Your Options (Important Deadlines)
| Option | What It Means | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| File a Claim Form | The only way to receive money from the settlement. | March 5, 2026 |
| Do Nothing | Receive no payment and be bound by the settlement if approved. | N/A |
| Exclude Yourself | Keep your right to sue separately but receive no settlement benefits. | March 5, 2026 |
| Object to the Settlement | Tell the Court why you disagree. Must remain in the class. | March 5, 2026 |
| Attend the Fairness Hearing | Ask to speak about the settlement (must request in objection). | May 5, 2026 |
| Appear Through an Attorney | Hire your own lawyer at your own expense. | No specific deadline stated |
How to File a Claim?
To receive your share of the Settlement Fund:
Complete and electronically submit a valid Claim Form, OR
Mail your completed Claim Form so that it is received no later than March 5, 2026.
Claim Deadline: March 5, 2026
If you do nothing, you will not receive a payment.
If your data may have been exposed, you could qualify for a payment from the $10 million settlement fund — but you must act.
File your claim by March 5, 2026.
