Ameritas Mutual $850,000 Data Breach Settlement

If you received notice of the Ameritas Security Incident in August 2019, you may be eligible to claim compensation from a class action settlement.

Ameritas Mutual Holding Company has agreed to pay $850,000 to settle a class action lawsuit for alleged negligence, negligent failure to provide timely notice, breach of express contract, and violations of the Nebraska Consumer Protection Act.

Who Can Claim an Award?

To be eligible for the settlement, you must have received a notice from Ameritas around August 2019, informing you that a data breach potentially allowed unauthorized access to your personal information, including your name, address, and Social Security number. This settlement includes all individuals residing in the United States who received such notice.

How Much are the Awards?

The settlement provides several types of compensation:

• Compensation for Lost Time: If you spent time addressing issues related to the Security Incident, you can claim reimbursement for up to 8 hours of time at a rate of $20/hour. For claims exceeding two hours, third-party evidence is required.
• Credit Monitoring: You can claim one year of three-bureau credit monitoring services, including at least $1 million in identity theft insurance.
• Compensation for Out-of-Pocket Losses: If you incurred actual, unreimbursed losses due to the Security Incident, you can claim up to $6,250. Eligible losses include bank fees, long-distance phone charges, cell phone charges (if charged by the minute), data charges (if charged based on the amount of data used), postage, gasoline for local travel, fees for credit reports, credit monitoring, or other identity theft insurance products purchased between August 2019 and August 6, 2024, and other documented losses caused by the Security Incident.

Is Proof Required to Claim the Reward?

Yes, proof is required to claim the reward. For lost time claims exceeding two hours, third-party evidence is necessary. For out-of-pocket losses, you must submit third-party evidence such as credit card statements, bank statements, invoices, telephone records, and receipts.

• Lost Time: Claims for up to two hours do not require additional proof. Claims for more than two hours require third-party evidence.
• Out-of-Pocket Losses: Third-party evidence is required for all claims.

How to Claim Your Award

To claim your award, you can file a claim online by visiting the online claim form. Alternatively, you can download a paper claim form and mail the completed form to:

Ameritas Data Incident Claims Administrator

c/o Rust Consulting Inc - 8298

PO Box 2599

Faribault, MN 55021-9599

Ensure your claim form includes your Unique Class Member ID, which can be found on the postcard notice you received.

Submitting a Claim

Follow these steps to submit a claim:

1. Visit the online claim form or download a paper claim form.
2. Fill out the claim form with your personal information, including your Unique Class Member ID.
3. Specify the type of compensation you are claiming (lost time, credit monitoring, out-of-pocket losses).
4. Attach any required third-party evidence to support your claim.
5. Submit the claim form online or mail it to the Claims Administrator.

How do I Get Paid?

Payments will be made after the Court grants final approval of the settlement and any appeals are resolved. The payment method will be determined by the Claims Administrator and communicated to eligible claimants.

$850,000 Settlement Fund Breakdown

The total settlement amount is $850,000. This amount will cover:

• Compensation for lost time and out-of-pocket losses claimed by Settlement Class Members.
• One year of three-bureau credit monitoring services for eligible claimants.
• Costs of notifying Settlement Class Members and administering the settlement.
• A Service Award of $2,500 for the Settlement Class Representative.
• Attorneys’ Fees, Costs, and Expenses of up to $255,000.

Important Dates

• Deadline to File a Claim: August 6, 2024
• Final Approval Hearing Date: August 6, 2024

Why is there a Class Action Settlement?

The lawsuit claims that Ameritas is responsible for the Security Incident and asserts claims for negligence, negligent failure to provide timely notice, breach of express contract, and violations of the Nebraska Consumer Protection Act. Ameritas denies these claims and any wrongdoing. Both sides agreed to a settlement after a lengthy mediation process overseen by a neutral mediator to avoid the costs and uncertainty of a trial and related appeals.

What Happens Next?

The Court will hold a final approval hearing on August 6, 2024. If the settlement is approved, payments will be made to eligible claimants after any appeals are resolved. Ensure you submit your claim by the deadline to be considered for compensation.