Northeast Grocery 401(k) Plan Settlement: Who Is Covered

Participants in covered Northeast Grocery, Tops Markets and Price Chopper 401(k) plans from January 1, 2018 through August 5, 2026 may qualify for this proposed $225,000 settlement, along with eligible beneficiaries and alternate payees. Payments depend on account balances during the period. No claim is required, but calculated shares below $25 receive no payment.

Northeast Grocery 401(k) Plan ERISA Settlement
Automatic

No claim required

Who qualifies?

You qualify if you participated in the Northeast Grocery, Tops Markets retirement savings, Price Chopper associate, or Tops Markets union-associate 401(k) plan from January 1, 2018, through August 5, 2026. Beneficiaries of deceased participants and qualifying domestic-relations alternate payees are included.

How much could I receive?

Your share depends on your account balances during the class period and the money remaining after deductions. If your initially calculated share is below $25, you will not receive a payment. There is no guaranteed payment for every participant.

Do I need supporting documents?

No claim or supporting documents are required for the automatic payment. The administrator uses the plans' account records to calculate eligible shares. Make sure the administrator has your current mailing address.

Do I need a notice ID or PIN?

You do not need to enter a notice ID or PIN to receive an automatic check. For questions about your inclusion or address, contact the administrator at 888-429-2413.

What is the deadline?

There is no claim deadline. If you want to object to the settlement, the court must receive your objection by November 17, 2026. Class members cannot opt out of this settlement.

How do I receive my payment?

Eligible payments will be mailed automatically after the settlement becomes final. Keep your address current with the administrator, especially if you left the plan. Checks are valid for 180 days after issuance.

Open the official settlement website →

Who is included in the Settlement Class?

  • The class covers people who participated at any time from January 1, 2018 through August 5, 2026 in the Northeast Grocery 401(k) Plan, Tops Markets, LLC 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan, Price Chopper Associate 401(k) Plan, or Tops Markets, LLC 401(k) Savings Plan for Union Associates.
  • It also includes beneficiaries of participants who died and alternate payees under a QDRO. A QDRO is a court order that gives someone else a right to part of a participant’s retirement benefits.

Do I need to submit a claim or prove my account activity to receive a payment?

  • No claim form is required, and you do not need to provide account-activity records.
  • The Settlement Administrator will use the Plans’ records to calculate payments. People who receive a payment will receive a check.
  • Former participants should contact the Settlement Administrator if their current address is not on file with their Plan.

How will my payment amount be calculated?

  • The $225,000 fund is not the amount available for direct payments. Taxes, approved legal fees and expenses, service awards, and settlement-administration costs come out first.
  • The remaining Net Settlement Amount will be divided based on each class member’s Plan account balances during the class period compared with the combined balances of all class members.
  • The notice does not state a specific dollar amount that any individual will receive.

Is there a minimum payment amount?

  • A person whose initial calculated amount is below $25 will not receive a payment.
  • Those smaller amounts will be redistributed proportionally among participating class members. After redistribution, each payment that is made will be at least $25.

When could payments be sent, and are there tax responsibilities?

  • Payments can be made only after the Court gives final approval, an independent fiduciary approves the settlement for the two plans identified in the notice, funds are transferred, and individual amounts are calculated.
  • Objections or appeals may delay payment, possibly for years. No payment will be made if the settlement agreement is terminated.
  • The notice says recipients are responsible for any federal, state, or local taxes tied to their payment.

Can I opt out of the settlement?

  • No. This is a non-opt-out settlement, so class members cannot leave it.
  • If approved, class members will release the claims covered by the settlement. The notice says this includes claims concerning the selection and monitoring of Plan fees or investment options, and related matters, during the class period.
  • You may still object to the settlement.

How can I object or speak at the Fairness Hearing?

  • A class member may object in writing. The objection must identify the case, give the person’s name, address, telephone number, signature, and a full explanation of the reasons for objecting.
  • The Court must receive the objection by November 17, 2026. A copy must also go to Class Counsel and Defense Counsel at the addresses in the notice.
  • The Fairness Hearing is scheduled for 1:00 PM on December 1, 2026, in Utica, New York. To speak at the hearing, a person must file a timely objection and a Notice of Intention To Appear.

Other Important Dates

  • Objection deadline: 2026-11-17
  • Final approval hearing: 1:00 PM on December 1, 2026
  • Hearing location: United States District Court for the Northern District of New York, Alexander Pirnie Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse, 10 Broad St., Utica, NY 13501

Case Details

  • Total settlement fund: $225,000.00
  • Case name: Collins, et al. v. Northeast Grocery, Inc., et al.
  • Case number: 5:24-cv-00080
  • Court: United States District Court for the Northern District of New York
  • Official Settlement Website: https://NortheastGrocery401kSettlement.com

Sources

Official Settlement Website
Claim form, FAQ, deadlines, administrator information
Visit Site →
Official Settlement Notice (PDF)
Court-approved notice describing eligibility and benefits
Open PDF →
Official NoticeRead the full notice

Official Notice

Read the notice PDF or the text version below.

Information last updated on 2026-10-21