Time is running out for thousands in NYC who may be eligible for a serious cash payout from a massive $92.5 million class-action settlement, and the kicker? No proof is required to file.
The settlement stems from a lawsuit accusing New York City’s Department of Correction of unlawfully holding people in custody past their legal release dates between April 1, 1997 and December 21, 2012. These detentions were allegedly triggered by ICE detainers, which legally allow a hold for just 48 hours. In many cases, the city reportedly went way over that limit, violating people’s rights in the process.
While the city denies wrongdoing, it agreed to settle, and now, eligible individuals are in line for checks ranging from $10,000 to $48,000. But the window to file is closing fast: the deadline to submit your claim is May 15, 2025.
There are two payout tiers based on when you were over-detained:
- Statute of Limitations Group (1997–2007): Eligible for payouts between $10,000 and $24,000.
- Recent Group (2007–2012): Eligible for $20,000 to $48,000, depending on the length of over-detention.
And yes, you don’t need documentation of your detention to apply. If you believe you were held by NYC corrections under the qualifying conditions, you simply need to fill out a claim form, either online or by mail, before the deadline.
If you want to opt out of the settlement or object to it, you must also do so by May 15, 2025. After that, a final court hearing will be held on October 6, 2025 to approve the terms.
Claimants can submit forms through the official settlement website or by mailing in a printed form. Full instructions, eligibility info, and the online portal are all available on the site.
Given the amounts involved, and the fact that no documentation is needed, this is a rare chance for those impacted to receive compensation. If you or someone you know might qualify, don’t wait. File before May 15 or risk missing out on what could be a life-changing check.
