Panera Bread reached a $2.5 million class-action settlement to resolve a March 2024 data breach that exposed the names and Social Security numbers of over 147,000 current and former employees and a few contractors and customers. Affected individuals qualify for reimbursement for documented losses—up to $6,500 for out-of-pocket extraordinary costs—by November 11, 2025, less than a month from now.
Background of the breach
In March 2024, Panera experienced a large-scale cybersecurity incident that impacted online ordering, point-of-sale technology, and in-store kiosks. The incident impacted personal data, including Social Security numbers, of approximately 147,321 people who were sent notice letters informing them of the exposure. Panera denies liability but settled to avoid lengthy litigation and potential trial risk.
Who is eligible
Only individuals who received written notice from Panera about the March 23, 2024 occurrence are eligible. This includes current and former Panera employees, specific contractors, and some customers whose personal information was at risk. A person is automatically a Settlement Class Member if they received a notice letter; no other proof of Panera employment or purchase is required beyond the notice letter.
Types of compensation available
Settlement Class Members may choose between the following types of compensation, depending on the losses they incur:
- Daily out-of-pocket expenses (max. of $500): Compensation for costs such as credit monitoring, notary fees, postage, and other fees specifically incurred in relation to the breach.
- Unusual losses (Up to $6,500): Payment for documented identity-theft resolution, fraudulent tax returns, unauthorized charges, and a maximum of ten hours spent resolving breach incidents at $25 per hour.
- Residual payment (Maximum $250): In the event that there are leftover funds remaining after making initial payments, Class Members may receive a pro-rata share of residual funds, subject to reduction based on the number of valid claims.
California residents who live in California when the breach occurs may be entitled to an additional $100 statutory award under state law.
Documents required
To be eligible for the highest reimbursement for extraordinary losses, claimants should provide clear documentation relating costs to harm caused by breaches. Such acceptable evidence is bank and credit card statements reflecting fraudulent charges, identity-theft recovery bill invoices, credit monitoring services receipts, and records of hours spent resolving fraud issues.
All the documentation should be unreimbursed and reasonably attributable to losses within the period from February 9, 2024, through November 11, 2025.
How to file a claim
Settlement Class Members must submit a timely, complete claim form by November 11, 2025. Late or incomplete submissions will be rejected. There are two choices:
- Online: Visit the settlement website at PaneraSettlement.com, provide your individual Class Member ID (found on your notice letter), and follow the easy-to-use instructions to upload documentation and select payment options.
- By Mail: Print and complete the paper claim form on PaneraSettlement.com. Mail the signed form and attachments to:
- In re Panera Data Security Litigation
- c/o Kroll Settlement Administration LLC
- P.O. Box 5324
- New York, NY 10150-5324
Online claims will be eligible for electronic payment versus mailed-in forms that will be paid by paper checks.
Key deadlines and next steps
- Opt-out or object: October 13, 2025: Opt out of the settlement or object to the settlement with the court if you don’t agree with its terms. Opt-outs give up payment but preserve individual litigation rights.
- Claim deadline: November 11, 2025—mail or postmark your claim form on or before this date to be included.
- Last fairness hearing: January 29, 2026—Judge Henry Autrey will decide whether or not to grant final approval to the settlement.
What happens after filing
Upon court final approval and resolution of all appeals, claims to be approved will be paid out and settled by payments made by the Claims Administrator based on documentation and the settlement formula. Any recovery is forfeited if an individual does not present a claim by the specified time, and settlement funds not distributed by way of primary claims will be distributed by way of residual payments up to the sum of $250 per claimant.
With less than a month to act, eligible individuals are urged to read their notice letters carefully, gather required documents, and submit their claims within time limits to recover the maximum available amount under Panera Bread’s $2.5 million settlement.
