NELNET Data Security Settlement
Last verified July 13, 2026Source: claimdepotHow ClaimWatch verifies cases
This settlement is closed to new claims — the deadline was March 5, 2026. 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
NELNET SERVICING, LLC allegedly failed to implement reasonable data security measures to protect consumers' personally identifiable information. As a result of the data security incident, class members experienced or were exposed to fraud and identity theft. The defendant denies violating any law but agreed to settle to avoid the expenses and uncertainties of continued litigation.
Do you qualify?
The settlement class includes individuals whose personally identifiable information was affected by the data security incident involving NELNET SERVICING, LLC. Specific class period dates and purchase details are not stated on this page.
Who is in the class
Plaintiffs allege that the Settling Entities failed to implement reasonable data security measures to protect consumers' personally identifiable information and, as a result of the Data Security Incident, Plaintiffs and Settlement Class Members have experienced or have been exposed to fraud and identity theft and have otherwise been injured.
Quoted from the settlement notice.
How to file
You must complete and file a Claim Form electronically or by mail so that it is received no later than March 5, 2026. Specific documentation requirements are not detailed on this page; see the Notice and Settlement Agreement for complete information.
Common questions
- How much does the NELNET Data Security Settlement pay?
- The total settlement fund is $10M. 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 NELNET Data Security Settlement?
- This settlement is closed to new claims — the deadline was March 5, 2026. Once a claim deadline passes you generally forfeit your share, even if you qualified.
- Is the NELNET Data Security Settlement notice real, or a scam?
- Claims are filed at nelnetsettlement.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 NELNET Data Security Settlement be sent?
- Class action payouts typically take 12 to 24 months after the claim deadline, and longer if the settlement is appealed. The final approval hearing for this case is set for May 5, 2026; no payments can be issued before a settlement receives final approval.
Who's involved
Plaintiffs
- Garner J. Kohrell
- Rachel Woods
- Joshua Sanchez
- Sofia Rodriguez
- Justin Randall
- Eric Polanco
- Devinne Peterson
- Delilah Oliveira
+ 20 more
Defendants
- Edfinancial Services, LLC
- Nelnet Servicing, LLC
Counsel for plaintiffs
- John L. SprayMATTSON, RICKETTS LAW FIRM
- Zachary A. RynarSILVER, GOLUB LAW FIRM
- Johnathan P. SeredynskiSILVER, GOLUB LAW FIRM
- Steven L. BlochSILVER GOLUB LAW FIRM
- Joseph V. MessineoNEBRASKA ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE
- Joel M. CarneySMITH, PAULEY LAW FIRM
- Jeana L. GoosmannGOOSMANN LAW FIRM - OMAHA
- Ian W. SlossSILVER GOLUB LAW FIRM
- Christian LevisLOWEY DANNENBERG LAW FIRM - NY
- Anthony M. ChristinaLOWEY DANNENBERG LAW FIRM
Counsel for defendants
- Sarah A. BallardBAKER, HOSTETLER LAW FIRM - DENVER
- Casie D. CollignonBAKER, HOSTETLER LAW FIRM - DENVER
- Daniel M. BraudeMULLEN, COUGHLIN LAW FIRM - RYE
- James MonagleMULLEN COUGHLIN LLC - CALIFORNIA
- Daniel F. KaplanPERRY, GUTHERY LAW FIRM
- Claudia D. McCarronMULLEN, COUGHLIN LAW FIRM LLC
- Charles F. KaplanPERRY, GUTHERY LAW FIRM
Parties and counsel from the public court docket. Listing an attorney here isn't an endorsement, and ClaimWatch isn't affiliated with any of them.
In the news
Headlines via NewsAPI. ClaimWatch isn't affiliated with these publications.
New to class actions?
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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