If your personal data was compromised in the 2023 National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) data breach, time is running out to claim your cash compensation. The class action settlement is offering payments to individuals whose Social Security numbers were exposed, and May 26, 2025, is the final deadline to submit a valid claim.
Here’s what you need to know—and how to claim your money before it’s too late.
What Happened in the National Student Clearinghouse Data Breach?
In 2023, hackers accessed the MOVE it file transfer system used by NSC, a nonprofit organization that manages educational data. The breach allegedly compromised sensitive personal information, including Social Security numbers.
The plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit claim that NSC failed to use reasonable cybersecurity measures to prevent the breach. Although the organization denies any wrongdoing, it has agreed to a $9.95 million settlement to resolve the matter.
Who Is Eligible for a Payout?
You may be eligible to receive money if your Social Security number was exposed in the breach. Eligible individuals are known as class members, and they can file a claim for:
- Up to $2,500 in ordinary losses like bank fees, long-distance calls, or credit monitoring costs.
- Up to $10,000 in extraordinary losses, such as identity theft, fraud-related costs, professional service fees, and credit repair.
- A $100 flat cash payment if you choose not to claim specific expenses. This amount may go up or down depending on how many people file claims.
In addition to financial compensation, all class members are eligible for two years of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection, including:
- Real-time alerts
- Three-bureau credit monitoring
- Up to $1 million in identity theft insurance
How to File a Claim
Filing a claim is simple. Here’s what you need to do:
- Visit the official settlement website (search for “National Student Clearinghouse Data Breach Settlement”).
- Fill out the claim form online or download and mail it.
- Provide documentation of your losses if claiming more than the $100 alternative payment. Acceptable documents include:
- Bank statements
- Receipts
- Invoices
- Phone records
No documentation is needed if you’re only requesting the $100 cash option.
Important Dates:
- Claim deadline: May 26, 2025
- Opt-out or self-exclusion deadline: April 25, 2025
Other Class Action Settlements You Might Be Eligible For
This NSC settlement is just one of many currently offering compensation to Americans affected by breaches, mislabeling, or unfair practices. Here are a few other active settlements:
- IRS Unclaimed Refunds: Over 1.1 million Americans may still collect money from 2021 tax year refunds.
- FloridaCentral Credit Union Settlement: Up to $5,000 in compensation after a data breach.
- Clif Bar Settlement: Payouts from a $12 million labeling lawsuit.
- Visa and Mastercard Settlement: A $5.6 billion settlement involving credit card processing fees.
- Bridgeway Center: Payments of up to $7,500 for affected individuals.
- Magid Glove: Part of a $5.175 million data breach settlement.
- Bosch Appliance Settlement: $2 million in payouts for appliance claims.
If your Social Security number was affected by the National Student Clearinghouse breach, don’t wait. With just a receipt or basic documentation, you could receive up to $10,000—or at least $100 in cash.
The deadline to file a claim is May 26, 2025. With similar settlements wrapping up quickly, it’s always smart to check your eligibility and file before the window closes. Even small payouts can make a difference—and in many cases, no proof of damage is even required.