Published
June 29, 2026
Updated
August 14, 2026
Black applicants who were not hired for a Cook County correctional officer job after failing a screening test may be owed cash — but you need the CPT ID from your notice to file.
What Is This Settlement About?
Cook County, the Cook County Sheriff's Merit Board, and Sheriff Thomas J. Dart have agreed to pay $5,675,000 to resolve a class action lawsuit alleging race discrimination in the hiring of correctional officers at the Cook County jail.The lawsuit, Simpson v. Dart, alleged that three tests the Merit Board used to screen applicants for correctional officer positions — a first written test, a second written test, and a physical abilities test — disproportionately screened out Black applicants, excluding qualified candidates on the basis of race. The defendants deny the allegations and deny any wrongdoing. The court has not decided who is right; the parties agreed to settle to avoid the cost and risk of continued litigation.
Status
Claims Closed
Claim Deadline
August 5, 2026
Estimated Payout
Up to $10,000
~$3.4M divided equally among approved claimants · cash
Proof Required
Yes
CPT ID + passcode from your settlement notice
Who Qualifies?
You are a member of the settlement class if all of the following apply to you:- You identify as Black (African American);
- You applied for a correctional officer position at the Cook County jail after March 13, 2015; and
- Cook County did not hire you because you did not pass one of the following screening tests: the first written test (NCJOSI2), the second written test (SBSA-LEO), or the physical abilities test (PAT).
If you received a notice with a CPT ID and passcode, the administrator has already identified you as a potential class member. If you believe you qualify but did not receive a notice, you can still reach the administrator through the official settlement website to ask about your CPT ID and passcode.
How Much Can You Get?
The settlement establishes a $5,675,000 fund. After the court approves attorneys' fees, litigation costs, administration expenses, and any service awards to the class representatives, approximately $3.4 million is expected to be available for distribution.That money is expected to be divided equally among the class members who submit valid claims, up to a maximum of $10,000 per person. Because the payment is split among everyone who files, the actual amount each person receives depends on how many valid claims are submitted. The settlement also includes a process for class members who wish to reapply for a correctional officer position under a revised hiring procedure.
How to File a Claim
To file, log in to the official settlement website using the CPT ID and passcode printed on the notice you received, then complete the online claim form before the deadline. If you want to be considered for re-hire under the new process, you can also submit the job application form available on the settlement website.If you are a class member but no longer have your CPT ID and passcode, use the contact options on the official settlement website to request them. Keep a copy of your submitted claim for your records.
Important Deadlines
- File a Claim: August 5, 2026
- Exclude Yourself (Opt Out) or Object: August 5, 2026
- Final Approval Hearing: August 28, 2026
If the court grants final approval and no appeals delay the settlement, the administrator expects to issue payments to eligible class members roughly two weeks after all claims are processed and the settlement becomes final.
Avoid Scams
The only place to file is the official, court-approved settlement website. No legitimate party will ask you to pay a fee to receive your settlement payment, and you should never share your CPT ID or passcode with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly to "help" you claim. When in doubt, go directly to the official settlement website rather than following a link from an unsolicited text or email.
For more class actions keep scrolling below.
Settlement Amount
$5,675,000
Case Title
Simpson v. Dart (Simpson et al v. Cook County Sheriff's Office et al)
Case Number
1:18-cv-00553
Court
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
Final Approval Hearing
August 28, 2026
Administrator
CPT Group, Inc.
Official Website
Simpson Cook County Settlement.com
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