Published
September 9, 2025
Updated
July 16, 2026
The DOJ remission program for people advertised on Backpage or CityXGuide is closed — here is who was eligible and what documented losses it covered.
What Is This About?
The U.S. Department of Justice administered a remission program related to Backpage and CityXGuide. Authorities allege these sites were used to facilitate sex trafficking. Victims who were advertised on these websites during specific timeframes could petition for financial compensation for documented losses. Petitions are reviewed under the Department of Justice remission regulations in 28 C.F.R. Part 9. The petition deadline of February 2, 2026 has now passed.See more active settlements.
Status
Program Closed
Petition Deadline
February 2, 2026 (Passed)
Payout
Varies
based on documented monetary losses · paid from forfeited Backpage assets
Proof Required
Yes
documentation of eligibility and losses (copies only, never originals)
What is the Total Settlement Amount?
Eligible victims may receive remission payments from forfeited assets associated with Backpage or CityXGuide. The total settlement is not fixed and payments depend on documented losses that meet program criteria.Who Qualified For a Payout?
Victims of sex trafficking qualified if they were advertised on:• Backpage between January 1, 2004 and April 6, 2018
• CityXGuide between April 8, 2018 and June 19, 2020
• Personal representatives could file remission requests on behalf of minors, incapacitated individuals, or deceased victims.
How Much Can Victims Get Paid?
Payments are based on documented monetary losses, including medical expenses, behavioral health treatment, lost wages, and certain funeral expenses for estates. Non-economic harms like pain and suffering and projected future income are not eligible.What Proof Was Required?
Petitioners were asked to provide copies of advertisements, emails, text messages, medical or therapy records, receipts, or other documentation supporting their losses — copies only, never original documents. Petitions were filed through the official program website, BackpageRemission.com.What are the Important Dates?
• Backpage eligibility period: January 1, 2004 to April 6, 2018
• CityXGuide eligibility period: April 8, 2018 to June 19, 2020
• Petition deadline: February 2, 2026 (passed)
When is the Payment Date?
Payment timing has not been announced. Payments will be issued after petitions are reviewed and verified by the Remission Administrator. If you filed a petition before the deadline, watch for correspondence from the administrator and check the official website for status updates.How is the Settlement Funded?
The DOJ remission program is funded by forfeited assets of Backpage and CityXGuide. Authority to grant remissions rests with the U.S. Attorney General, delegated to the Chief of the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) at DOJ. The program operates under 28 C.F.R. Part 9.What are Emergency Resources for Victims?
• Office on Violence Against Women (OVW)
• U.S. Department of Justice Announces Compensation Process
• National Human Trafficking Hotline
The Hotline connects survivors to emergency, transitional, or long-term services. The DOJ Office for Victims of Crime and HHS Office on Trafficking in Persons are also helpful resources.
The remission programs on this page are closed, but survivors may still have an active legal option: attorneys are reviewing individual hotel sex trafficking lawsuits against major hotel and motel chains that allegedly ignored clear signs of trafficking on their properties.
Sources
• Official Remission Website• Office on Violence Against Women (OVW)
• Petition form instructions provided by the Remission Administrator
Filing Information
This page is for informational purposes. OpenClassActions.com is not the administrator or a law firm. For help with a pending petition, contact the Remission Administrator through the official website or consult an attorney.Free settlement alerts
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Status
Program Closed — Deadline Passed
Program
DOJ Backpage / CityXGuide Remission Program
Petition Deadline
February 2, 2026 (Passed)
Backpage Eligibility
January 1, 2004 – April 6, 2018
CityXGuide Eligibility
April 8, 2018 – June 19, 2020
Official Website
Backpage Remission.com
