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Cobell v. Salazar Indian Trust Settlement

This settlement is closed to new claims — the deadline was June 30, 2025. You can still see what it was about and follow the case in court below. Looking for money you can still claim? Browse open settlements →

What happened

The federal government mismanaged individual Indian land, funds, and other assets held in trust, including improperly accounting for Individual Indian Money (IIM) trust funds and mismanaging trust land. Courts determined the government violated its trust duties to over 17,000 IIM account holders.

Do you qualify?

You are eligible if you are an heir of one or more of the over 17,000 Individual Indian Money (IIM) account holders whose Cobell settlement awards were not distributed. You must submit proof that you are an heir.

How to file

Submit a claim form by June 30, 2025, with proof of heir eligibility, such as a state or tribal probate order, appointment documentation for an estate executor/administrator, an approved will, a small estate document, or a federal probate order. Send materials to Indian Trust Settlement, c/o Kroll Settlement Administration, P.O. Box 5324, New York, NY 10150-5324.

Common questions

How much does the Cobell v. Salazar Indian Trust Settlement pay?
The total settlement fund is $3.4B. Actual amounts depend on how many valid claims are filed — most settlements divide a fixed fund pro rata, so a higher claim rate means a smaller individual check. An "up to" figure is a cap, not a guarantee.
What is the claim deadline for the Cobell v. Salazar Indian Trust Settlement?
This settlement is closed to new claims — the deadline was June 30, 2025. Once a claim deadline passes you generally forfeit your share, even if you qualified.
Do I need proof of purchase for the Cobell v. Salazar Indian Trust Settlement?
Yes. This settlement asks for documentation supporting your claim — a receipt, an account record, or the notice you were sent. Check the official settlement website for exactly which documents are accepted.
Is the Cobell v. Salazar Indian Trust Settlement notice real, or a scam?
Kroll Settlement Administration is the settlement administrator for this case. Claims are filed at cobellsettlement.com. Filing a class action claim is always free — no legitimate settlement charges you to claim, and no administrator will ask for payment, a gift card, or your full Social Security number by email or text. If a notice asks for any of those, it is not from the administrator. When in doubt, ignore the link you were sent and go to the official settlement website directly.
When will payments from the Cobell v. Salazar Indian Trust Settlement be sent?
Class action payouts typically take 12 to 24 months after the claim deadline, and longer if the settlement is appealed. Payments cannot be issued until the court grants final approval and any appeals are resolved.

This summary was generated from public settlement documents and may contain errors. Confirm eligibility, deadlines, and payment terms on the official settlement website before filing. ClaimWatch is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. Filing a claim is free.

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