Nelnet Data Security Settlement $10M Class Action — Claim Deadline March 5, 2026

Nelnet Data Security Settlement $10M Class Action — Claim Deadline March 5, 2026

By Steve Levine

Nelnet data security settlement notice

Updated: December 27, 2025

Status: Proposed Settlement

Settlement Amount: $10,000,000

Claim Form Deadline: March 5, 2026

Proof required: Only for documented losses and lost time


What is the NelNet Open Class Action?

You may be part of a new $10 million class action settlement involving Nelnet Servicing, LLC, Edfinancial Services, LLC, and the Oklahoma Student Loan Authority (OSLA).

The class action lawsuit was filed and settled after a data security incident that Nelnet made public in August 2022. The class action claims that a malicious party got into Nelnet's systems and exposed consumers' private and personally identifiable information.

The companies deny they did anything wrong, but they agreed to a settlement to avoid the cost and uncertainty of continuing the case.

What information may have been exposed?

According to the class action lawsuit and data breach with NelNet, the affected information may include things like your name, address, email address, phone number, and Social Security Number.

Who is included?

In simple terms, you may be included if you live in the United States and your personal information was compromised in the Nelnet data security incident that was disclosed in August 2022.

How much is the Total Settlement Fund?

The settlement fund is $10,000,000. That money may be used to pay class members who file valid claims, along with settlement costs that the Court allows.

What can I get?

If the settlement is approved, people who qualify may be able to choose benefits like credit monitoring and identity theft protection, plus a cash payment.

The cash payment amount is not a set number for everyone. It depends on how many people file claims and what kinds of benefits they request.

Some people may also be able to request extra money for certain costs they had because of the incident, but those types of requests usually require details or documents.

Why this matters right now for student loan borrowers

This Nelnet data security settlement is landing at the same time student loan borrowers are being hit with nonstop headlines about forgiveness changes, repayment restarts, and tougher collection consequences.

Nelnet is one of the largest student loan servicers in the U.S., which means it sits in the middle of the same system that decides whether your account is current, delinquent, or headed toward collections. When payments resume and people miss bills, the financial fallout can be serious, including damaged credit and, in some cases, wage garnishment through the federal collections process.

The Nelnet class action is not student loan forgiveness and it will not reduce what you owe. It is about whether sensitive borrower data was properly protected during a major security incident. If your personal information was involved, this settlement may offer benefits like credit monitoring and a possible cash payment, which matters more when borrowers are already under pressure.

If you had a student loan account connected to Nelnet, Edfinancial, or OSLA and you received a data breach notice or think your data may have been exposed, it may be worth checking your eligibility before the final claim form deadline of March 5, 2026.

How do I get a Settlement Award?

You must submit a claim form by the deadline. This can typically be done online through the official settlement website, or by mail using the paper form.

What is the Final Claim Deadline?

The deadline to submit a claim is March 5, 2026. If you mail a paper claim, it must be received by March 5, 2026.

When will Awards and Payments be Distributed to Qualified Claimants?

The Court scheduled a fairness hearing for May 5, 2026, to decide whether to approve the settlement.

If the settlement is approved, there can still be delays if there are appeals, and it also takes time to review claims. Payments usually go out after the settlement is final and claims are processed.

Do I need proof to file a claim?

It depends on what you ask for. If you request money back for specific costs or time spent dealing with identity theft issues, you may need to provide details or documentation.

If you request the basic cash payment option, you may not need receipts, but you still must submit a claim form and be approved.

Who is Nelnet?

Nelnet is a major U.S. student loan servicer. It also provides online account and payment technology that other student loan groups use, including Edfinancial and OSLA.

Is Life Line Screening related to Life Alert?

No. Life Line Screening is a health screening company. Life Alert is an emergency response medical alert device service. They are separate and unrelated companies.

How Do I Find Class Action Settlements?

Find all the latest class actions you can qualify for by getting notified of new lawsuits as soon as they are open to claims:


Claim Form Website: NelnetSettlement.com


Submit Claim


Official Settlement Notice

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Sources

• Official Settlement Website: www.NelnetSettlement.com
• U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska, In re Data Security Cases Against Nelnet Servicing, LLC, Case No. 4:22-cv-3191

Filing Class Action Settlement Claims

Please submit only truthful information. False claims can be rejected and may carry penalties. If you are unsure whether you qualify, review the official notice or contact the settlement administrator. OpenClassActions.com is a consumer news site and is not a settlement administrator or a law firm.

For more class actions keep scrolling below.
Class Action Summary
Status Proposed Settlement
Claim Form Deadline March 5, 2026
Settlement Amount $10,000,000
Category Data Breach and Privacy
Estimated Payout per Person Varies. Pro rata cash payment depends on valid claims. Additional amounts may be available for documented losses and lost time if approved.
Case Number 4:22-cv-3191
Case Title In re Data Security Cases Against Nelnet Servicing, LLC
Court U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska
Fairness Hearing May 5, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
Claim Website NelnetSettlement