TIME is running out for many Americans who may be eligible for a payout from a $1.5million Sea World annual pass settlement.
You won’t need to show any proof to get your hands on the cash.
SeaWorld was accused of auto-renewing annual passes without giving proper notice[/caption]
If you are eligible, you don’t need to do anything, but there is a deadline to opt out[/caption]
The amusement park giant was accused of auto-renewing annual passes without providing the proper notice or terms required under California law.
While SeaWorld hasn’t admitted any wrongdoing, it’s decided to settle to the tune of $1.5 million.
The settlement applies to anyone with a California home or billing address.
It covers those who bought one or more SeaWorld San Diego annual passes through the SeaWorld website or app on or after February 28, 2019.
Their pass must have automatically renewed after the initial 12-month commitment and before February 28, 2025.
They must also not have received a refund for the first auto-renewal charge.
The deal covers a wide range of passholders, and there’s no need to dig up old receipts or documents.
If you’re eligible and don’t opt out, you’ll automatically receive benefits — no claim form required.
But act fast: the deadline to exclude yourself is July 22, 2025, and if you want to file an objection, you’ll need to do it by July 31, 2025.
A final approval hearing is set for August 15, 2025.
For those eligible under the SeaWorld settlement, visit SeaWorldAnnualPassSettlement.com — before it’s too late.
This comes as a wave of class action settlements and government payments are putting money directly into Americans’ pockets.
In New York, nearly 3 million homeowners are getting one-time payments worth up to $600 from a $2.2 billion fund as part of the state’s STAR (School Tax Relief) program.
Average payments range from $350 to $600, with direct deposits already hitting bank accounts in cities like New York City, Buffalo, and Syracuse.
The state says checks should arrive by mid-July, but some could land later this summer or into fall.
To qualify, New Yorkers must own a home and earn less than $500,000.
Seniors aged 65 and over could get even more under the Enhanced STAR option.
Whether you opt for a paper check or a direct deposit, one thing’s for sure — “New York State” will show up on the statement if the money’s headed your way.
Meanwhile, over $4.75 million is on the table in a class action settlement involving Prudent Financial.
The company, which offers financial services like life insurance and retirement plans, is doling out cash to settle claims it failed to safeguard client data during a February 2024 breach.
Sensitive information including names, Social Security numbers, and financial data was reportedly exposed, leading to identity theft and financial losses.
Now, claimants can score up to $5,000 if they experienced those losses, or receive tiered payments of between $100 and $599 based on what kind of personal data was compromised.
To get in on that deal, you’ll need to file a claim by October 3, 2025 — and this time, proof is required.
What’s a class-action settlement?
Class action lawsuits offer groups of people, or ‘classes,’ a way to band together in court.
These suits are often brought by one or a few people who allege a company or other entity has wronged a large group of people.
When a suit becomes a class action, it extends to all “class members,” or people who may have similar complaints to those who filed the suit.
Companies often settle class actions – offering payment to class members who typically waive their right to pursue further legal action by accepting money.
These payout agreements frequently include statements by the defendant denying wrongdoing. Companies tend to settle class actions to avoid the costs of further litigation.
Pollution, discrimination, or false advertising are a few examples of what can land a class action on a company’s doorstep.
