A settlement has been reached in a class action lawsuit that claims the City of New York violated the law when it delayed the release of people after their bail was paid.

This means that anyone who was released on bail (whether cash bail, bail bond, partially secured bond, or any form of payment the New York Department of Corrections accepts for payment of bail) from Rikers or any NYC jail between October 4, 2014, and October 21, 2022, may be eligible for $3,500 or more.

In order to receive payment, eligible individuals must submit a simple claim online or via mail before June 6, 2023.

Who is eligible?

You are eligible if the following happened to you between October 4, 2014 and October 21, 2022:

• You were jailed in the custody of the New York Department of Corrections,
• You were released from custody at least once after your bail was paid (whether cash bail, bail bond, or partially secured bond), and
• Your release was delayed (as long as you have reason to believe your release took 3 hours or more)

If you are not sure whether your release was delayed or if you have other questions about your eligibility you should call the Settlement Administrator at 1-833-472-1994. . If you were jailed and your release was delayed more than once in this time period, you would be eligible to file a claim and receive $3,500 for each instance.

How do you submit a claim?

You can submit a simple claim form through the settlement’s website or through via mail to:

NYC Bail Settlement – 7817 P.O. Box 2654 Faribault, MN 55021-9654

Blank Claim Forms can be found here.

Instructions for how to file the claim are here.

Where can I find more information?

You can find more information at the class action settlement website at nycbailsettlement.com and especially through the FAQ here. If you are not sure whether you are a Class Member, or have any other questions about the Settlement, you can call the toll-free number, 1-833-472-1994.

Do you receive government benefits? If so, please call 1-800-683-4872; email cag@claimantadvocacy.com; or write to Claimant Advocacy Group, 241 Ridge Street, Suite #300, Reno, NV 89501 to speak to a free government benefits consultant. The benefits consultant can help you figure out a way to receive your payment without affecting your government benefits.