If you bought fresh or frozen raw chicken between 2009 and 2019, you may be eligible for cash from a $203.5 million class action settlement. Several major chicken companies, including Tyson Foods and Pilgrim’s Pride, have agreed to settle after being accused of unfairly raising chicken prices.
Why the Settlement Happened
The lawsuit claims that big poultry producers—like Tyson Foods, Pilgrim’s Pride, Foster Farms, and others—conspired to increase the price of chicken, causing shoppers to pay more than they should have. Although the companies deny any wrongdoing, many have chosen to settle to avoid further legal proceedings.
This $22.5 million addition is the latest expansion to an already existing $181 million fund, bringing the total available to $203.5 million for affected consumers.
Who Can Get the Money?
To be eligible, you must have bought fresh or frozen raw chicken (not deli or pre-cooked chicken) between January 1, 2009, and July 31, 2019, in any of the 25 eligible states or the District of Columbia.
Some of the states included are:
- California
- Florida
- Illinois
- New York
- North Carolina
Even if you don’t have a receipt, you can still submit a claim. Those who have proof of purchase (like receipts or purchase records) may receive a higher payout.
Where Was the Chicken Sold?
The chicken brands involved are widely available in big stores and online platforms, such as:
- Tyson Foods – Found at Kroger, Target, Amazon
- Pilgrim’s Pride – Available at Kroger and Amazon
- George’s Chicken – Often seen at Sam’s Club
- Peco Foods, Fieldale Farms, Mar-Jac Poultry – Supplied mainly in bulk and through foodservice, but sometimes sold online via platforms like Instacart
Settlement Details
These companies are among the latest to agree to the settlement:
- Harrison Poultry – $2.9 million
- House of Raeford – $4.5 million
- Koch Foods – $5 million
- Mountaire Farms – $3 million
- Simmons Foods – $3 million
- O.K. Foods – $3.2 million
- Sanderson Farms – $750,000
If you already filed a valid claim before the extra $22.5 million was added, you do not need to file again, but you may update your claim if needed.
Important Deadlines
- Claim Submission Deadline: July 31, 2025
- Deadline to Object or Exclude Yourself: May 12, 2025
- Final Court Hearing: June 30, 2025 in the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
Consumers who submit valid claims will be paid based on a pro rata system—this means payouts will be distributed depending on how much each person spent on eligible chicken products.
This massive $203.5 million chicken price-fixing settlement gives American consumers a chance to be compensated for overpaying at grocery stores over a 10-year period.
Even if you don’t have receipts, you could still qualify for a cash payment. With the deadline in July 2025, now is the right time to check your eligibility and file a claim if you purchased raw chicken from major brands like Tyson or Pilgrim’s Pride between 2009 and 2019.