A $12.5 million class-action settlement tied to Cash App’s referral/texting program means eligible people in Washington state may be entitled to a payment — estimated at between $88 and $147 per claimant — if they file a valid claim by the stated deadline. Below is a plain-English guide explaining what the settlement covers, who qualifies, how to file, important deadlines, what to expect from payout methods, and how to avoid scams while pursuing your claim. This article assumes the settlement details published by the settlement administrator are accurate and up to date. bottomstextsettlement.com+1
What happened (quick background)
The suit, brought in Washington state, alleges that Cash App’s “Invite Friends” referral system sent unsolicited promotional text messages to phone numbers without recipients’ clear consent, in violation of Washington’s consumer-protection and electronic-communications laws. Cash App’s parent company, Block, Inc., has agreed to a $12.5 million settlement to resolve the claims without admitting wrongdoing. The settlement establishes a fund that will be distributed to eligible class members who submit timely, valid claims. Investopedia+1
Who may be eligible
Under the settlement terms, you may be part of the class if all of the following are true:
- You received one or more Cash App “Invite Friends” referral text messages on a phone number between November 14, 2019 and August 7, 2025; and
- At the time you received the messages you were a resident of the state of Washington (or otherwise fall under the class definition set in the notice); and
- You did not clearly and affirmatively consent in advance to receive the promotional texts.
If those conditions match your situation, you are likely a member of the settlement class and can file a claim for a portion of the settlement fund. Exact eligibility language and proofs required are posted on the official settlement website and the court notices; read those pages carefully before submitting a claim. Top Class Actions+1
How much you could receive
The settlement administrator estimates that individual claimants who file valid claims will receive between $88 and $147 each, depending on the number of claims submitted and the administrator’s final deductions for fees and costs. The precise payment per claimant is not fixed and will depend on the final tally of valid claims and any approved attorney’s fees, administration costs, and other court-approved expenses. That estimate — $88 to $147 — has been published in public notices about the settlement. Top Class Actions+1
Important deadlines & the approval process
Key procedural dates you should know (check the official settlement website for any updates):
- Claim submission deadline: The settlement administrator’s site lists a deadline (for example, October 27, 2025) by which claim forms must be submitted online or postmarked if mailed. Missing that deadline generally disqualifies you from receiving a payment. Top Class Actions+1
- Objection/exclusion deadline: If class members want to object to the settlement or exclude themselves from the class, there is a separate deadline (often the same day) and a formal procedure to follow.
- Final approval hearing: The court will hold a hearing (reported as December 2, 2025 in published notices) to decide whether to approve the settlement terms, attorneys’ fees, and administrator costs. If the court approves the settlement and no successful appeals follow, distribution will proceed. Top Class Actions
Because settlement distributions cannot commence until the court grants final approval and the administrator finishes vetting claims and paying fees, do not expect immediate payments on filing — but missing the claim deadline will forfeit any share.
How to file a claim (step-by-step)
- Visit the official settlement website. The settlement administrator runs an official portal (for example, a site set up for the Bottoms v. Block settlement) with the claim form and instructions. Use the site named in the public notice — not a third-party solicitation page. bottomstextsettlement.com+1
- Gather details you’ll need. Typical required information includes the phone number that received the text(s), the timeframe when you received them, your name and contact details, and an attestation that you did not consent to receive referral texts. Some forms ask whether you are the regular user/owner of the number. You may be required to submit the claim under penalty of perjury. Top Class Actions
- Complete and submit the online claim (or print and mail a physical form if the administrator allows). Electronic filing is usually faster and helps the administrator process payments more quickly. Keep copies or screenshots of your submission confirmation. bottomstextsettlement.com
- Monitor the settlement site and your email. After you file, the administrator may send a confirmation or ask for additional proof in some cases. If you change your mailing address, notify the administrator promptly. Cash App Security Settlement
What forms of payment to expect
The administrator’s notices indicate payments may be issued by check, electronic transfer through services like PayPal or Venmo, or other methods listed on the claim form — depending on what options the administrator uses and your preference selection. Exact payout logistics and timelines will be posted after the claims intake period closes and the court approves final distribution procedures. Top Class Actions
Common scenarios & edge cases
- You received only one text message: You still may qualify if you meet the residency and consent criteria.
- Your phone had a Washington area code but you weren’t a Washington resident: Eligibility focuses on residency at the time the message was received; having a WA area code alone is not necessarily dispositive. Read the settlement definition carefully. Top Class Actions
- You already opted out or revoked consent: If you clearly and affirmatively consented to receive referral texts, you may not be eligible. The claim form asks you to attest that you did not consent.
- Fraud concerns: Only submit truthful claims. Submitting false claims can have legal consequences and harm other class members.
Why payouts look small (and why that’s normal)
Class-action settlements resolve disputes for many people at once. The total fund ($12.5M) must cover all valid claimants plus legal fees and administrative costs; when the affected population is large, per-person payouts are often modest. Still, the settlement offers a practical way to secure some compensation without individual litigation. Legal experts generally emphasize that class settlements are not replacements for higher individual recoveries but are more about efficient distribution and closure. Investopedia
How to verify legitimacy and avoid scams
- Use only the official settlement website named in court notices and reputable news coverage. Don’t click links from unsolicited texts or emails claiming to “unlock” your payment. bottomstextsettlement.com
- The settlement administrator will not ask for bank logins or full Social Security numbers on a public claim form. If anyone demands sensitive credentials via phone, email, or text, treat that as fraud.
- Look for confirmation emails from the administrator and save any claim ID you receive. Keep your submission confirmation as proof.
- If in doubt, check mainstream legal-news aggregators (Top Class Actions, Investopedia, the official court docket) and the settlement site for updates. Top Class Actions+1
What to expect after you file
Once the claims window closes, the administrator will review submissions for completeness and validity. If a high number of claims are validated, the individual payout estimates could be at the lower end of the $88–$147 range; fewer validated claims could push individual awards higher. After the court gives final approval and appeals (if any) are resolved, the administrator will distribute payments per the approved plan. Keep in mind the process commonly takes months. bottomstextsettlement.com+1
Frequently Asked Questions (short answers)
Q: I live outside Washington now but had a WA number during the period — can I claim?
A: Eligibility often depends on whether you were a Washington resident at the time you received the texts. Check the settlement definition closely. Top Class Actions
Q: Do I need a lawyer to file a claim?
A: No. Claim forms are designed for individuals to complete without lawyers. Plaintiffs’ counsel already represent the class overall. bottomstextsettlement.com
Q: Is this taxable?
A: Treat settlement awards carefully — taxability can depend on what the payment compensates (e.g., actual losses vs. statutory penalties) and federal tax rules. Consult a tax professional if you receive a payment. The settlement notice may address tax implications. bottomstextsettlement.com
Bottom line
If you got unsolicited Cash App referral texts between Nov. 14, 2019 and Aug. 7, 2025, and you were a Washington resident when you received them, you should visit the official settlement website, verify the claim requirements, and submit a timely claim — even though the per-person amounts are modest. A valid claim could net an estimated $88–$147, and filing is the only way to collect a share of the $12.5 million fund. Be careful to use only official sources and to guard your personal information from scammers.