Published
October 13, 2025
Updated
July 16, 2026
This $4.5 million agreement resolves an Illinois investigation into whether minors under 16 worked at Hearthside food-manufacturing plants. If you worked at a Hearthside facility in Illinois while under 16 between 2020 and 2024, you can claim a share — file by November 20, 2026.
What Is the Hearthside Illinois Child-Labor Settlement?
The Illinois Attorney General and the Illinois Department of Labor reached a $4,500,000 Assurance of Voluntary Compliance with Hearthside Food Solutions, LLC after investigating allegations that minors under 16 worked at Hearthside's Illinois facilities. Hearthside denies wrongdoing and specifically denies violating the child labor laws; it agreed to the Assurance to resolve the investigation, without admitting liability.If you worked at a Hearthside facility in Illinois while under 16 for some or all of the period between March 1, 2020 and December 4, 2024, you may qualify for a payment from the fund. The Assurance was signed on December 4, 2024, and — because Hearthside's parent company was in Chapter 11 — the U.S. Bankruptcy Court overseeing In re H-Food Holdings, LLC approved it on December 6, 2024, so the fund is in effect and claims are being accepted.
Status
Claims Open
Approved by the bankruptcy court December 6, 2024.
Claim Deadline
November 20, 2026
Payments expected in the first quarter of 2027.
Estimated Payout
Proportional to weeks worked
Up to half of the $4.5M fund, split by verified weeks worked while under 16.
Proof Required
Yes
Documentation of your age and work at a Hearthside Illinois facility while under 16.
Who Qualifies?
You may qualify if you worked at a Hearthside facility in Illinois while you were under the age of 16 for some or all of the period between March 1, 2020 and December 4, 2024. Both direct hires and temporary workers placed by staffing agencies can qualify if documentation supports the claim. Immigration status does not affect your eligibility.How Much Can I Get Paid?
Up to 50% of the $4,500,000 fund is allocated to eligible claimants; the remainder covers administration and a deposit to the Illinois Department of Labor's enforcement fund. Payments are proportional to the number of weeks you worked while under 16, using this formula:(50% of $4,500,000 ÷ total verified weeks worked by all claimants) × your verified weeks worked while under 16.
Your final amount depends on the total number of valid claims and your verified weeks of work.
How Do I File a Claim?
File through the Administrator's online claim portal on the official settlement website. If you need help gathering documents, or you cannot submit certain information online, contact the Administrator through the contact options on that site. You can provide a tax identification number securely through the official site if you are not comfortable doing so elsewhere.For background on Illinois child-labor rules, see the Illinois Department of Labor.
What Proof Do I Need?
You must provide documentation that verifies your age and that you worked at a Hearthside facility in Illinois while under 16. Examples include staffing-agency payroll records, employment agreements, or similar documents. If you cannot access documents, contact the Administrator for assistance. Filing is done under penalty of perjury, so do not submit false information.Key Dates
• Eligibility work period: March 1, 2020 to December 4, 2024• Assurance signed: December 4, 2024
• Bankruptcy-court approval: December 6, 2024
• Claim Deadline: November 20, 2026
• Payments Expected: First quarter of 2027
Non-Retaliation and Reporting
Under the Assurance, Hearthside may not take adverse action against anyone for reporting concerns or for having previously worked while under 16. A complaint hotline and email are available for anonymous reporting. Workers may also contact the Illinois Attorney General's Workplace Rights Bureau or the Illinois Department of Labor with concerns.Who Is Hearthside Food Solutions?
Hearthside Food Solutions, LLC is a large contract manufacturer that makes packaged foods and snacks for major consumer brands and retailers, operating multiple facilities across the United States, including plants in Illinois, and using both direct hires and staffing-agency workers. This Assurance concerns work performed at Hearthside's Illinois facilities by individuals who were under 16 during the eligibility period.Case & Program Information
• Assurance of Voluntary Compliance among the Illinois Attorney General, the Illinois Department of Labor, and Hearthside Food Solutions, LLC (signed December 4, 2024)• Bankruptcy approval: In re H-Food Holdings, LLC, Case No. 24-90586, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division (approved December 6, 2024)
• Administrator: Atticus Administration
Official Notice
Sources
- Official Settlement Website — Hearthside Food Solutions Settlement
- Office of the Illinois Attorney General — illinoisattorneygeneral.gov
- Illinois Department of Labor — labor.illinois.gov
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Settlement Amount
$4,500,000
Program
Assurance of Voluntary Compliance (Illinois AG & DOL)
Company
Hearthside Food Solutions, LLC
Bankruptcy Approval
In re H-Food Holdings, LLC, No. 24-90586 (Bankr. S.D. Tex.)
Approved December 6, 2024
Claim Deadline
November 20, 2026
Administrator
Atticus Administration
Official Website
Hearthside FS Settlement.com
