If you’ve ever used Facebook in the U.S. between 2007 and 2022 and filed a claim in the recent privacy lawsuit, your money might finally be on its way. After months of delays, payments from the $725 million Facebook privacy settlement have started rolling into users’ bank accounts.
If your claim was approved, you should receive an email alert a few days before the payment is made.
What is the Facebook settlement all about?
The settlement came after Facebook’s parent company, Meta, was sued for sharing users’ personal data with third-party companies without their consent. One of the biggest names involved was Cambridge Analytica, a political consulting firm that misused Facebook data for targeted political ads.
Rather than go through a long and expensive trial, Meta agreed to settle the case while denying any wrongdoing. The money from this settlement is now being distributed to users who filed valid claims.
Who was allowed to file a claim?
Here’s who could take part in the settlement:
- Anyone who used Facebook in the U.S. between May 24, 2007 and December 22, 2022.
- This included people who deleted their Facebook accounts before the settlement.
- Users had to submit their claims by the official deadline to be considered.
How are payments being calculated?
The amount of money you get depends on two main factors:
- How long you used Facebook during the eligible period
- How many total users filed claims
The payment system is based on points. You get 1 point for every month you had an active Facebook account between May 2007 and December 2022. After taking out legal and administrative costs from the total $725 million, the remaining amount is divided based on how many points each person has.
For example:
- If you used Facebook for 120 months, you get 120 points.
- If the value of each point is ₹10 (just as an example), you’d receive ₹1,200.
When will you get the payment?
According to the official website, the distribution of payments started in mid-September 2025 and will continue over 10 weeks. If your claim was approved, expect an email 3–4 days before you receive your payment.
Also, remember: this payment is separate from any previous Facebook settlement payouts you may have received earlier in 2025.
How will you receive the payment?
During the claim process, users had the option to choose how they want to be paid. These options included:
- Bank deposit
- PayPal
- Venmo
- Prepaid cards
Make sure to check your email inbox (and spam folder) for any updates related to your claim.
Important points to keep in mind
- Not everyone will get the same amount.
- Payments are based on how long you used Facebook and how many people filed claims.
- You will be contacted before receiving the money.
- If you didn’t file a claim before the deadline, you are not eligible for payment.
After a long wait, Facebook users in the U.S. who were affected by the platform’s data-sharing practices are finally seeing some compensation. While the payout may not be huge for everyone, it’s a step toward accountability. If you filed your claim and were eligible, keep an eye on your email and bank account—your share of the settlement could arrive anytime over the next few weeks.
FAQ
Q1. What is the Facebook settlement about?
The settlement is related to a lawsuit that claimed Facebook shared user data with third parties like Cambridge Analytica without proper user consent.
Q2. Who could file a claim in the Facebook settlement?
Anyone who had a U.S. Facebook account between May 24, 2007 and December 22, 2022, even if they deleted their account later.
Q3. How are Facebook settlement payments calculated?
Each person gets one point for every month they used Facebook during the eligible period. The total payment depends on your points and the number of total claimants.
Q4. When will I receive my Facebook settlement payment?
Payments started in mid-September 2025 and will continue over 10 weeks. Approved claimants will get an email a few days before their payment arrives.
Q5. Is this the same as the earlier Facebook settlement payment?
No, this payment is separate from the earlier Facebook settlement many users received earlier in 2025.
