Washington residents who used Cash App between 2013 and 2020 may receive settlement money from a lawsuit against Square, Inc. The payment timeline depends on which group you fall into and when the court approves the final settlement.
In 2021, Washington's Attorney General filed a lawsuit against Square over Cash App's business practices. The settlement requires Square to pay money to affected users in Washington. However, the exact dates when payments arrive depend on court approval, the claims process, and which payment group you're in.
This guide explains what the payment timeline looks like, who gets paid when, and what to watch for if you're waiting for your money.
Key Takeaways
- Settlement payments are divided into groups based on how much money each person is owed, with larger claims paid first.
- The court must approve the final settlement before any payments can be sent, which typically takes several months after the settlement is announced.
- Once approved, payments usually arrive within 60 to 90 days, though some groups may wait longer depending on the payment administrator's schedule.
- You do not need to do anything to receive payment if you were a Washington Cash App user during the lawsuit period — the settlement administrator will locate you using Square's records.
- If you moved or changed your contact information, you may need to update your details with the settlement administrator to ensure payment reaches you.
How the settlement divides payments into groups
The settlement does not pay everyone on the same date. Instead, payments are staggered by claim size. People owed larger amounts typically receive their money first, followed by smaller claims. This approach helps the settlement administrator manage the volume of payments and reduces the risk of processing errors.
The exact dollar thresholds for each group depend on the final settlement terms approved by the court. Generally, claims over a certain amount (often $500 or more) are processed in an earlier wave than claims below that threshold. The settlement administrator will publish the specific groups and their payment dates once the court gives final approval.
You will not choose which group you're in — the settlement administrator calculates your claim amount based on Square's records of your Cash App activity and the harm you experienced.
When the court must approve the settlement
No payments can go out until a judge signs off on the final settlement agreement. This approval process, called "final approval," typically takes 3 to 6 months after the settlement is announced. During this time, the court reviews the terms, considers any objections from class members, and ensures the deal is fair.
The court also appoints a settlement administrator — a neutral third party responsible for locating people owed money, processing claims, and distributing payments. The administrator cannot begin work until the judge approves the settlement.
You can track the status of the settlement by checking the official settlement website or contacting the settlement administrator directly. Both sources will post updates when the court schedules hearings or makes decisions.
The typical payment timeline after court approval
Once the judge approves the settlement, the administrator usually begins sending payments within 30 to 60 days. The first group (typically the largest claims) may receive money within 60 to 90 days of approval. Smaller claims often follow 30 to 60 days later.
Payments are typically sent by check or direct deposit, depending on what information the settlement administrator has on file. If you provided banking details to Square during your Cash App use, the administrator may deposit money directly into that account. If not, you will receive a check by mail.
The entire payment process — from court approval to the last check going out — usually takes 4 to 6 months. Some settlements take longer if the number of claims is very large or if disputes arise during processing.
What to do if you haven't received payment by the expected date
If your payment date has passed and you have not received money, first check the settlement website to confirm your claim was processed. The administrator maintains a searchable database where you can enter your name or case number to see your claim status.
If the website shows your claim was approved but you have not received payment, contact the settlement administrator directly. Provide your name, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your Cash App account details. The administrator can tell you whether the payment was mailed, deposited, or held up for any reason.
If a check was mailed but never arrived, the administrator can issue a replacement. If direct deposit was attempted but failed (for example, if your bank account no longer exists), you may be able to update your banking information or request a check instead.
How to update your contact information with the settlement administrator
The settlement administrator uses Square's records to find you, but those records may be outdated. If you moved, changed your phone number, or closed the bank account linked to your Cash App, you should update your information with the administrator before payment dates arrive.
Visit the official settlement website and look for a section to update your contact details. You will typically need to provide your name, the last four digits of your Social Security number, your old address (if you moved), and your new mailing address or banking information.
Updating your information early — before your payment group is scheduled — reduces the risk that a check will be mailed to an old address or a deposit will fail. If you wait until after your payment date has passed, the administrator may take longer to locate you and reissue your payment.
What happens if the settlement administrator cannot locate you
If the administrator cannot find you using Square's records and your contact information is not on file, your money does not disappear. Instead, unclaimed funds are typically held in an escrow account for a set period — often 1 to 3 years — while the administrator makes additional attempts to locate you.
During this holding period, you can still claim your money by contacting the settlement administrator with proof that you were a Cash App user in Washington during the lawsuit period. Bring any documentation you have: old bank statements showing Cash App transfers, emails from Square, or screenshots of your account history.
After the holding period ends, unclaimed funds may be distributed to a cy pres recipient — typically a nonprofit or government agency related to consumer protection or financial services — or returned to Square. However, you retain the right to claim your money even after this point, though the process becomes more difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to claim my settlement money, or will it come automatically?
Settlement money comes automatically if you were a Cash App user in Washington during the lawsuit period. The settlement administrator uses Square's records to identify you and calculate your claim. You do not need to submit paperwork or register separately. However, you should update your contact information if you moved or changed your phone number.
What if I moved and didn't tell Square or the settlement administrator?
Contact the settlement administrator with your new address before your payment date. If a check was already mailed to your old address, you can request a replacement. Provide your name, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease works). The administrator will reissue your payment.
Can I get my settlement money faster than the scheduled payment date?
No. Settlement payments follow a court-approved schedule and are processed in groups by claim size. You cannot request early payment or move your claim to an earlier group. The administrator will pay you on the date assigned to your group.
What if I think my claim amount is wrong?
Contact the settlement administrator and explain your concern. Provide any documentation you have of your Cash App activity — bank statements, transaction records, or screenshots. The administrator will review your claim and may adjust it if an error is found. This process usually takes 2 to 4 weeks.
How do I know if the settlement is real and not a scam?
Check the official settlement website listed in court documents or contact the Washington Attorney General's office to confirm the settlement details. Legitimate settlement administrators never ask for payment upfront or request sensitive information like full Social Security numbers via email or phone. Be cautious of emails claiming to be from the settlement — verify the sender's address before responding.