Published
October 11, 2024
Updated
July 30, 2026
The PACER settlement resolves claims that federal court-record access fees exceeded the amount authorized by law.
Current Status
The Federal Circuit affirmed final approval on March 20, 2026 and denied rehearing on June 5, 2026. The official settlement site says no distributions have been made and none can be made until the appeal and any subsequent proceedings conclude. No claim form is required.StatusAppeal advanced; distribution pending
Rehearing DeniedJune 5, 2026
Settlement Fund$125 million
Claim FormNone; payments automatic
What Was This Case About?
The lawsuit alleged that the federal government charged PACER users more than necessary to provide public access to electronic court records, contrary to the E-Government Act. The government disputed the claims before agreeing to settle.Who Is Covered?
The class includes people and entities that paid PACER fees between April 21, 2010 and April 21, 2016, subject to the settlement definition and exclusions.How Will Payments Work?
Each class member is allocated the lesser of $350 or the PACER fees paid during the class period, with additional pro rata payments possible for those who paid more than $350. Payments are automatic from billing records after appellate proceedings permit distribution.Official Information
Review the latest information on the PACER Fees Class Action website.
Settlement Fund
$125 million
Case Title
National Veterans Legal Services Program, et al. v. United States
Case Number
1:16-cv-00745-ESH
Court
U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
Current Milestone
Distribution pending conclusion of appellate proceedings
Official Website
PACER Fees Class Action
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