The proposed settlement covers U.S. residents whose information was exposed in the ECSI security incident. Members can claim documented losses up to $5,000 or, instead, a pro rata alternative payment estimated at about $100. Claims are due December 21, 2026 and the court has not yet approved the settlement.
Benefit Summary
Eligible class members: choose one: Up to $5,000 documented losses or Estimated $100 pro rata cash payment.
Payments come from the $6,500,000.00 settlement fund and may change after approved deductions.
Available Awards
Up to $5,000 documented losses OR Estimated $100 pro rata cash payment
Who Is Included
U.S. residents whose Personal Information was potentially accessed in the Security Incident, subject to the stated exclusions.
- Proof required: For Out-of-Pocket Loss reimbursement, submit reasonable documents showing the unreimbursed loss amount and why it was more likely than not caused by the Security Incident; examples include bank or credit-card statements, emails, invoices, receipts, or telephone records. Self-prepared documents alone are insufficient. The notice does not state that supporting loss documents are required for the Alternative Cash Payment, but a completed and signed Claim Form is required for either payment option.
Claim and Payment Information
- Claim method: Online submission or mail
- Claim deadline: 2026-12-21
- Instructions: Complete, sign, and submit a Claim Form online or print the form and mail it to the settlement administrator at the address on the form. Include the required information and any documents needed for a loss-reimbursement claim.
Questions & Answers
Can I receive both the loss reimbursement and the cash payment?
The two payment options are alternatives. If you seek reimbursement for losses, you cannot also receive the Alternative Cash Payment.
- You may choose either out-of-pocket loss reimbursement or the Alternative Cash Payment, but not both.
- The cash payment is estimated at about $100, but the final amount may be higher or lower because it is divided on a pro rata basis among approved claims.
What losses may qualify for reimbursement?
For the reimbursement option, the notice lists several kinds of costs that may qualify. The settlement administrator decides qualifying out-of-pocket expenses, and there is no right to appeal that determination.
- The loss must be an actual, unreimbursed monetary loss that was more likely than not caused by the Security Incident.
- The loss must have occurred between October 29, 2023 and December 21, 2026.
- Examples include certain bank fees, postage, gasoline for local travel, and qualifying charges for credit reports, credit monitoring, identity-theft services, or insurance.
What proof do I need for an out-of-pocket loss claim?
Documentation is required for the out-of-pocket loss reimbursement option. The notice does not specify supporting loss records for the Alternative Cash Payment option.
- Provide records showing how much of the loss was not reimbursed and why you believe the Security Incident likely caused it.
- Examples include bank or credit-card statements, emails, invoices, receipts, and telephone records. Photos of those records may be used.
- A handwritten receipt or other self-prepared document by itself will not be enough.
How do I submit a claim?
A claim is required for either payment option.
- Complete and sign a Claim Form.
- Submit it online by December 21, 2026, or print and mail it to the address on the form with a December 21, 2026 postmark.
- Follow the form instructions and include all required information. Include supporting documents if requesting reimbursement for losses.
When could payments be sent?
The January 2027 hearing is not a guaranteed payment date.
- The Court is scheduled to consider approval at a telephone hearing on January 11, 2027, at 9:30 a.m. EST.
- Payments can be made only if the Court approves the settlement and it becomes final after any appeal is resolved.
- The notice does not provide a specific payment date.
What do I need to do if I want to opt out?
Opting out means leaving the settlement. It is different from objecting: a person who opts out cannot object.
- To leave the settlement, mail an exclusion request by first-class U.S. Mail with a November 20, 2026 postmark.
- The request must include the case name and number, your full name, postal address, email address, physical signature, and a clear statement that you want to be excluded.
- If you opt out, you receive no settlement payment, but you are not bound by the settlement and keep any right you may have to bring your own case.
How can I object to the settlement?
An objection asks the Court not to approve the proposed settlement. It does not ask the Court to change its terms.
- You may object only if you remain in the Settlement Class; do not opt out.
- Your written objection must be mailed to the Court, Class Counsel, and ECSI's attorneys, or filed with the Court in person or electronically, by November 20, 2026.
- The objection must identify you and the case, explain your grounds, include required information about any attorney, state whether you plan to attend the hearing, and be signed.
Other Important Dates
- Exclusion deadline: 2026-11-20
- Objection deadline: 2026-11-20
- Final approval hearing: January 11, 2027, 9:30am EST
- Hearing location: By telephone
Case Details
- Total settlement fund: $6,500,000.00
- Case name: Hood, et al. v. Educational Computer Systems, Inc.
- Case number: 2:24-cv-00666-CCW
- Court: United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
- Administrator: ECSI Security Incident Settlement Administrator
- Official Settlement Website: https://www.DataSettlementECSI.com
Sources
Claim form, FAQ, deadlines, administrator information
Court-approved notice describing eligibility and benefits