If you were notified that your personal information was involved in the Tyler Technologies data breach, you may be eligible for compensation through a class-action settlement. Data breaches can be stressful and lead to long-term concerns regarding identity theft and financial security. This guide provides a straightforward explanation of the settlement, who is eligible, and the specific steps you need to take to file a claim and protect your rights.
Understanding the Tyler Technologies Data Breach
Tyler Technologies is a major provider of software and services to the public sector, including local governments and school districts. In late 2020, the company experienced a security incident where unauthorized actors gained access to certain parts of its internal network. This breach potentially exposed sensitive personal identifying information (PII) belonging to thousands of individuals.
Following the incident, several class-action lawsuits were filed on behalf of the affected individuals. These lawsuits alleged that the company did not have adequate security measures in place to prevent such an intrusion. To resolve these legal claims without the uncertainty of a trial, a settlement agreement was reached to provide benefits to those impacted.
Who Is Eligible for the Settlement?
Eligibility for the settlement generally depends on whether your personal information was stored on the systems that were compromised during the 2020 incident. You are likely a member of the “Settlement Class” if you received a formal notice via mail or email informing you of the breach and the subsequent legal action.
Common groups of people affected include:
- Current or former employees of government agencies using Tyler software.
- Individuals who interacted with local government portals for payments or services.
- Contractors or vendors who provided services to entities using the affected platforms.
If you are unsure whether you are included, you can typically verify your status by checking the official settlement database using your name and address or a unique Notice ID provided in the class-action mailer.
Available Benefits and Compensation
The settlement is designed to compensate individuals for the time and money they spent responding to the data breach. The benefits are usually divided into several categories to ensure that those who suffered the most harm receive appropriate relief.
Reimbursement for Out-of-Pocket Expenses
If you spent money to protect yourself after the breach, you can claim reimbursement for documented expenses. This includes the cost of credit monitoring services, credit reports, or fees associated with freezing and unfreezing your credit. It also covers unauthorized charges or losses that were not reimbursed by your bank or insurance provider.
Compensation for Time Spent
Recognizing that dealing with a data breach takes time, the settlement often allows class members to claim a specific hourly rate for time spent addressing issues related to the incident. This might include time spent calling banks, monitoring accounts, or correcting fraudulent entries on a credit report. Most settlements have a cap on the total number of hours you can claim.
Credit Monitoring and Identity Restoration
Beyond cash payments, the settlement frequently provides a period of free credit monitoring and identity restoration services. These services help alert you to any new accounts opened in your name and provide professional assistance if your identity is stolen in the future.
How to File Your Claim: A Step-by-Step Guide
Filing a claim is a relatively simple process, but it requires attention to detail to ensure your submission is not rejected. Follow these steps to complete your claim successfully.
1. Locate Your Notice ID
Most individuals affected by the breach were sent a physical or digital notice containing a unique Notice ID and Confirmation Code. Having these numbers makes the online filing process much faster, as they automatically link your claim to the records already held by the settlement administrator.
2. Visit the Official Settlement Website
Access the secure online portal dedicated to the Tyler Technologies settlement. This website is the only official place to submit your claim electronically. Be wary of third-party sites that ask for your Social Security number or payment to file a claim; legitimate settlement administrators never charge a fee to file.
3. Choose Your Benefit Type
Decide which benefits you are applying for. You can often choose between a flat-rate cash payment, reimbursement for specific losses, or credit monitoring services. If you are claiming out-of-pocket expenses, ensure you have your documentation ready to upload.
4. Provide Necessary Documentation
For claims involving financial losses or extensive time spent, you will need to provide proof. This can include receipts, bank statements showing fraudulent transactions, or a detailed log of the dates and times you spent resolving breach-related issues. Clear, legible copies are essential for the verification process.
5. Review and Submit
Before submitting, double-check all your contact information. If the settlement administrator needs to send you a check or a voucher for services, they must have your current mailing address. Once you submit, you should receive a confirmation number. Save this number for your records.
Important Deadlines to Remember
Every class-action settlement has strict deadlines that must be met. If you miss the deadline to file a claim, you lose your right to receive any benefits. Additionally, there are deadlines if you wish to “opt-out” of the settlement (which allows you to sue the company individually) or if you wish to object to the terms of the settlement.
Check the official settlement website frequently for the following dates:
- Claim Filing Deadline: The final date to submit your form.
- Opt-Out Deadline: The last day to exclude yourself from the class.
- Final Approval Hearing: The date the court decides whether to finalize the settlement.
What Happens After You File?
After the filing deadline passes, the settlement administrator begins the process of verifying all claims. This can take several months. They will check for duplicate claims and ensure that the documentation provided meets the requirements of the settlement agreement.
Once the court grants “Final Approval” and any potential appeals are resolved, the distribution of benefits begins. If you chose a cash payment, a check or electronic payment will be sent to the address or account you provided. If you chose credit monitoring, you will receive instructions on how to activate the service.
Protecting Your Data Moving Forward
While participating in a settlement is a great way to recover losses, it is equally important to take proactive steps to secure your personal information. Data breaches are increasingly common, and staying vigilant is your best defense.
Consider these simple security measures:
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all financial and email accounts.
- Use a password manager to create unique, complex passwords for every site.
- Monitor your credit reports regularly through free services like AnnualCreditReport.com.
- Be cautious of phishing emails that use the data breach as a way to trick you into revealing more information.
By filing your claim and securing your digital footprint, you can move forward with greater peace of mind. Taking action today ensures you receive the compensation you deserve and helps hold companies accountable for data security. For more information on navigating online services and protecting your digital life, explore our other helpful guides on technology and consumer rights.