Millions of Americans recently learned they may be eligible for up to $6,000 in compensation after major insurance-related data breaches. These payouts are tied to class action settlements involving companies such as Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and Infosys McCamish Systems, which handled sensitive data for insurers and retirement providers. Eligible individuals generally include those whose personal information was exposed in these cyber incidents and who received an official breach notification letter or email from the company or settlement administrator.
What These Settlements Are About
The most publicized “up to $6,000” offers come from large data breach settlements where attackers accessed Social Security numbers, financial details, health information, and other sensitive records. Arthur J. Gallagher, a global insurance brokerage, agreed to a $21 million settlement after a 2020 cyber incident that affected nearly 3.5 million people, allowing documented losses up to $6,000 per person. Infosys McCamish Systems, which provides back-end services to many life insurance and retirement companies, reached a $17.5 million settlement after a 2023 ransomware attack that compromised data for about 3.7 million individuals.
Who Can Qualify for Up to $6,000?
Not everyone can claim money simply because they hold an insurance policy. To qualify, you must fit the settlement’s official “class” definition, which typically includes people who received a mailed or emailed notification stating their data was affected. In the Gallagher case, class members are those covered by letters describing the 2020 breach window, while the Infosys McCamish settlement covers individuals specifically linked to the October–November 2023 incident. Both settlements require proof tying any claimed financial harm directly to the breach, such as unreimbursed fraud losses, identity theft expenses, or professional fees.
How the Money and Benefits Break Down
These settlements usually provide several layers of benefits, not just a single check. Claimants can request reimbursement up to a maximum of $6,000 for documented out-of-pocket losses, which may include fraudulent transactions that banks did not refund, costs for credit monitoring or identity protection services, and fees for accountants, lawyers, or similar professionals. In addition, most class members can receive free credit monitoring and identity theft protection, and many settlements offer a smaller “residual” cash payment to everyone who files a valid claim, often estimated around a few tens of dollars per person.
Typical Settlement Benefit Structure
| Settlement / Program | Max Loss Reimbursement | Credit Monitoring Included | Example Residual Cash Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthur J. Gallagher settlement | Up to $6,000 | About 3 years | Pro-rated share of remaining fund |
| Infosys McCamish settlement | Up to $6,000 | 2 years | Estimated around $30, capped under $599 |
| Other health/insurance breaches | Often up to $6,000 | 1–3 years | Varies by number of claims filed |
Deadlines and “Last Call” Warnings
Headlines about a “last call” usually highlight upcoming claim deadlines set by the court. For the Arthur J. Gallagher settlement, consumers covered by the breach had until early February 2025 to submit their claims before the window closed. The Infosys McCamish settlement requires eligible class members to file claim forms by December 1, 2025, with a final approval hearing scheduled for December 18, 2025. After these dates, people who do not file generally lose the right to receive money or free services from the settlement, even though the data breach may still affect them.
How to Check If You Are Eligible
The most reliable way to confirm eligibility is to look for an official breach or settlement notice. These letters or emails typically come from the affected company, a law firm, or a settlement administrator and include the settlement website address and unique identification codes. Once on the official site, you can read the “Who is included?” or “Who’s eligible?” section and, in some cases, use a lookup tool or contact number to verify your status. If you never received a notice, you might still be in the class, but you will need to carefully compare your relationship with the company and the dates listed in the settlement description.
Steps to File a Strong Claim
Filing a claim usually takes 10–20 minutes if you prepare your documents in advance. Start by gathering any records that show breach-related costs: bank or credit card statements with unreimbursed fraud, receipts for identity protection services, invoices from professionals, or letters about identity theft cases. Next, visit the settlement website listed in your notice—such as AJGDataSettlement.com for the Gallagher case or the official Infosys McCamish settlement portal—and complete the online or paper claim form. Be accurate and truthful, because claim forms are submitted under penalty of perjury, and false claims can delay payments for everyone.
Staying Safe While Claiming Your Share
Data breach settlements can attract scammers who create fake websites or send phishing messages promising quick cash. To protect yourself, type the official URL from your letter directly into your browser, or access it through a trusted news or court source, rather than clicking random links from social media or text messages. You should never pay a fee to “unlock” or “speed up” your settlement, and you should be cautious about sharing additional personal information beyond what the official claim form requests. Legitimate settlement sites will clearly identify the claims administrator, provide a mailing address and phone number, and link to court documents about the case.
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FAQs
Q1: Will everyone affected receive the full $6,000?
No, $6,000 is a maximum for documented losses; most people either receive free credit monitoring plus a smaller cash payment or reimbursement only for the proven costs they submit.
Q2: Do I have to join a lawsuit to get paid?
No, class members typically just file a claim form through the official settlement website or by mail before the deadline; hiring a private lawyer is optional.
Q3: What if I miss the claim deadline?
If you miss the deadline, you will usually lose your right to benefits from that settlement, even if your data was exposed, although you may still take other legal or protective steps on your own.
