CityXGuide Remission Program for Trafficking Survivors
By Steve Levine
Photo Credit: Google | Published: October 17, 2025
Petition Deadline: February 2, 2026
Payout Award: Varies
You May Be Part of a New Settlement Program
The U.S. Department of Justice has launched a remission program to support survivors who were advertised on CityXGuide or Backpage during certain years. Through this program, survivors can request compensation for documented financial losses linked to trafficking. While both sites are covered, CityXGuide is emphasized here because it stayed active after Backpage was shut down, giving survivors a better chance of having recent records to strengthen their claims.In addition to the DOJ program, separate individual lawsuits are still moving forward, which means survivors may have multiple legal paths to pursue compensation and accountability.
Is there a total settlement amount?
There is no fixed settlement fund. Approved payments are made from forfeited assets. Public reporting has referenced figures near $215 million related to Backpage forfeitures, however payment totals depend on approvals and documented losses reviewed by the Remission Administrator.How do I qualify?
You may qualify if you were a survivor of sex trafficking and were advertised on:• CityXGuide between April 8, 2018 and June 19, 2020
• Backpage between January 1, 2004 and April 6, 2018
Personal representatives may be able to file petitions for minors, incapacitated individuals, or deceased survivors.
Why consider a lawyer for CityXGuide or Backpage?
The DOJ program allows free direct filing, however many survivors choose to work with an attorney because collecting records and proving losses can be complex. An experienced lawyer can help organize medical and therapy records, recover digital evidence, prepare forms correctly, and communicate with the Remission Administrator. This support can reduce errors and delays, and it can help present your documented losses as clearly as possible.Pre-Qualify
What documents should I gather?
To be pre-qualified and approved, you should collect documentation of losses, often including:• Copies of advertisements, emails, or text messages
• Medical and therapy records
• Employment or wage records
• Estate documents for deceased survivors
How much can I 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.How do I file a petition?
File a petition by February 2, 2026:- Online: BackpageRemission.com
Is proof required?
Yes. Provide copies of advertisements, emails, text messages, medical or therapy records, receipts, or other documentation supporting your losses. Do not send original documents.Important dates
• CityXGuide eligibility: April 8, 2018 to June 19, 2020• Backpage eligibility: January 1, 2004 to April 6, 2018
• Petition deadline: February 2, 2026
When are payments issued?
Payment timing has not been announced. Payments will be issued after petitions are reviewed and verified by the Remission Administrator.How is the program funded?
The DOJ remission program is funded by forfeited assets associated with Backpage. Authority to grant remissions rests with the U.S. Attorney General and is delegated to the Chief of the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, known as MLARS. The process is governed by 28 C.F.R. Part 9.This Hotline connects survivors to emergency, transitional, or long term services. The DOJ Office for Victims of Crime and HHS Office on Trafficking in Persons also offer further resources for survivors.
Submit Claim
Sources
• 28 C.F.R. Part 9 summary and text (Cornell LII)• Washington Post coverage on Backpage and CityXGuide victim compensation
• New York Times report on the shutdown of CityXGuide
• Reuters article on CityXGuide owner arrest and site forfeiture
• The Guardian reporting on CityXGuide trafficking ads shutdown
• VICE coverage on survivors seeking payments from Backpage and CityXGuide
• Shared Hope International statement on CityXGuide shutdown
• Polaris Project analysis on CityXGuide takedown and victims
• Associated Press coverage of Backpage and CityXGuide trafficking cases
Filing Information
This page is for informational purposes. OpenClassActions.com is not the administrator or a law firm. For help with your petition, contact the Remission Administrator or consult an attorney.
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| Program Summary | |
| Status | Open to Claims |
|---|---|
| Petition Deadline | February 2, 2026 |
| Settlement Amount | No fixed fund, payments from forfeited assets based on documented losses |
| Category | Remission, trafficking related losses |
| Estimated Payout per Person | Varies by documented losses and program review |
| Proof Required | Yes |
| CityXGuide Eligibility | April 8, 2018 to June 19, 2020 |
| Backpage Eligibility | January 1, 2004 to April 6, 2018 |
| Individual Claims | How to Pre-Qualify |
| $215M DOJ Settlement | BackpageRemission.com |
| Administrator | Remission Administrator, contact via website or info@BackpageRemission.com |