In today’s busy world, getting surprise texts from apps like Cash App can feel like a real annoyance, especially when they’re pushing promotions you never signed up for. That’s why a new $12.5 million settlement is big news for people in Washington state who received unwanted referral messages from Cash App between late 2019 and mid-2025. This agreement, from a group lawsuit called Bottoms v. Block Inc., lets qualifying folks claim up to $147 each without proving they lost money—just showing they got the texts is enough. Cash App’s parent company, Block Inc., didn’t admit any wrongdoing but agreed to share the cash and improve how they handle text permissions going forward. The deadline to claim was November 27, 2025, so if you made it in time, you’re on track for a payout early next year. No upfront costs or complicated proofs needed—it’s a fair way to make things right.
As of November 29, 2025, the final court sign-off is coming soon on December 2, setting the stage for quick distributions. In this beginner-friendly guide—optimized for searches like “Cash App settlement eligibility 2025” or “Bottoms v Block payout timeline”—we’ll explain the basics, who’s eligible, how to check your claim, and what to expect next. If those messages bugged you, this could turn frustration into a small win—let’s break it down step by step.
Understanding the Cash App $12.5 Million Settlement: What Happened and Why It Matters
This settlement came about because a group of Washington residents sued Block Inc., saying Cash App broke privacy rules by sending automatic promotional texts without getting a clear okay first. These were messages like “Join Cash App through your friend’s invite,” sent to people’s contacts without permission, from November 14, 2019, to August 7, 2025. The suit pointed to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), a federal law that stops companies from spamming phones without consent, and similar state protections.
Block Inc. settled for $12.5 million to avoid a long court battle, plus they promised to make changes like better ways to say “no” to texts and stronger checks on user data for the next three years. After taking out costs for lawyers (up to one-third of the pot) and running the program, the remaining money gets split equally among everyone who claims. It’s not about big damages—it’s compensation for the hassle, like time spent deleting messages or worrying about privacy. This deal is a win for everyday users, showing that apps can’t just blast texts anymore. It also sets an example for other companies to get permission upfront, making your phone a bit less noisy. Bottom line: If you fit the group, you can get a fair cut without going to court yourself.
Who Qualifies for a Payout? Easy Rules for Washington Residents
Jumping into this isn’t tricky—the rules focus on simple facts about where you lived and what messages you got, not how much you use Cash App or if you lost money.
Basic Requirements
- Where You Lived: You had to be a Washington state resident when you received the text—no out-of-towners qualify.
- What You Got: At least one promotional or “invite a friend” text from Cash App during November 14, 2019, to August 7, 2025.
- No Permission: You didn’t agree to those automatic messages ahead of time—most people didn’t.
- Your Contact Info: The phone number or email was yours at the time.
- On Time Filing: Submitted your claim by the November 27, 2025, deadline.
Who Doesn’t Qualify
People who work for Cash App or Block Inc., their close family, anyone who already said no to joining the lawsuit, or claims filed too late are out. Even if you didn’t keep the texts, you can still join—just describe when you got them. This keeps things open to casual users who just wanted peace from spam. Around 100,000 or more might fit, but your share depends on how many claim. Quick tip: If you got a notice in the mail or email, use its code to check fast.
To make it clearer, here’s a table breaking down the eligibility basics:
| Requirement Type | What It Means | Why It Helps Keep It Fair |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Residency | Lived in WA when text arrived | Focuses on state privacy laws |
| Text Time Frame | Nov 14, 2019 – Aug 7, 2025 | Covers the whole problem period |
| No Consent Needed | Didn’t opt in for auto-messages | Targets unwanted spam |
| Claim Deadline | Filed by Nov 27, 2025 | Ensures timely action |
| No Employee Ties | Not a worker or family member | Avoids inside conflicts |
If you match most of these, you’re probably good—head to the site to confirm.
How Much Will You Get? Payout Breakdown and Factors
The total $12.5 million gets divided up after costs, so your amount depends on how many people claim. No one gets left out if they qualify—it’s equal shares all around.
Estimated Amounts
- If fewer than 50,000 valid claims: Up to $147 each.
- Between 50,000 and 85,000 claims: Somewhere between $88 and $147.
- More than 85,000 claims: $88 or a bit less.
The more people who file, the smaller each piece, but it’s still worth it for the time spent. Unclaimed money goes back to Block Inc., so filing helps everyone. You pick how to get paid: Direct to your bank, a digital wallet like PayPal or Venmo, or a mailed check. Electronic ways are quickest. Taxes? Usually not, since it’s for hassle, not income—but check with a tax helper if you’re unsure.
Claim Process: Simple Steps to Submit and What Happens After
The good news is you don’t need lawyers or documents—the process is built for regular folks.
Step-by-Step Filing
- Go to the official site: cashappsecuritysettlement.com—bookmark it to avoid fakes.
- Enter your info: Name, phone number, email, and a quick note on the texts you got.
- Confirm details: Say when it happened and that you didn’t agree—takes under 5 minutes.
- Choose payout method: Bank details for speed or check for mail.
- Hit submit: Get a confirmation code right away to track later.
If you prefer paper, mail it to the address on the notice by the deadline. After filing, you’ll get an email or letter saying if it’s approved—most are, as long as basics match. If not, like wrong dates, you can appeal until early 2026. Pro tip: File early to beat any last-minute rush.
Key Dates: Timeline from Claim to Cash in Your Pocket
Timing keeps things moving without chaos—the court’s final okay is the big one.
Important Milestones
- Claim filing window: Opened after early approval, closed November 27, 2025.
- Final court hearing: December 2, 2025—judge gives the thumbs up.
- Approval notices: Sent out in December 2025 to January 2026.
- Payout start: Early February 2026 for bank or digital wallets.
- Mailed checks: March to April 2026—adds a couple weeks.
- Everything wrapped: By mid-2026, unless rare appeals delay.
High numbers of claims might push things a bit, but 80% get it by spring. Use your code on the site to see where you stand—no waiting on hold.
Stay Safe: Common Scams and Smart Tips for Claimants
Bad guys love these deals, sending fake emails or calls about “held payouts” that ask for fees or your personal info—hang up or delete! Real updates come only from the settlement site or official mail, never by surprise message. Report anything fishy to the FTC at ftc.gov or the settlement admins.
To make the most of your share, use it for something fun like a family dinner or tuck it away for emergencies—it’s your win. This settlement also means better protections for everyone, with Cash App promising no more surprise texts without a yes.
Final Thoughts: Your Path to a Fair Payout from the Cash App Settlement
The Cash App $12.5 million settlement is a solid step toward fixing unwanted texts, offering up to $147 to Washington residents through easy rules like state living and message dates, with claims locked by November 27 and cash heading out in early 2026. From no-proof filing to equal shares based on turnout, it’s a low-stress way to hold apps accountable—turning spam into small savings.
If you filed, keep an eye on that site for your approval and go electronic for the quickest hit. Missed the boat? Look out for other privacy suits in your area. Spread the word to a friend who might have gotten those messages—knowledge like this makes a difference. As 2025 wraps up, here’s to fewer interruptions and a few more dollars in your pocket—claim wisely and celebrate the change!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Cash App $12.5 million settlement all about?
It’s a deal to pay back Washington people for unwanted promotional texts from 2019–2025, with $12.5 million split among claimants—no fault admitted by the company.
2. Do I qualify if I only got one text years ago?
Yes, as long as you were in Washington then, didn’t agree to it, and filed by November 27, 2025—no need for proof.
3. How much money will I actually receive?
Between $88 and $147, depending on how many people claim—full up to $147 if under 50,000 valid ones.
4. When can I expect my payout after the deadline?
Early February 2026 for bank transfers; checks by spring—track with your confirmation code on the site.
5. Do I have to pay taxes on this settlement money?
Usually no, since it’s for inconvenience, not earnings—but talk to a tax expert to be sure.
6. How do I know if a message about this is a scam?
If it asks for money, your SSN, or comes unsolicited—it’s fake. Official info is only on the settlement site or in mail.