Panera Bread will finalize a settlement agreement in a class action brought on behalf of clients affected by a data breach in March 2024. Claims must be submitted with valid claim forms within two years from November 11, 2025, which would entitle them to monetary reimbursements for documented losses, as high as $6,500, but more typically $500 for everyday out-of-pocket costs and residual payments, payable to all stakeholders with supporting documentation by way of receipts or account statements.
Background of the Panera data breach settlement
In March 2024, Panera Bread discovered that an unauthorized third party gained access to sensitive personal information, including names, Social Security numbers, and other private information, of current and former employees, as well as a small number of customers, contractors, and vendors. A series of lawsuits were consolidated into one class action on behalf of the plaintiffs alleging that Panera failed to secure consumer data and failed to provide timely information on the affected individuals. Without any admission to liability, Panera has agreed to a $2.5 million non-reversionary settlement to resolve all claims in dispute.
Settlement overview and the award structure
Coverage of the fund available for settlement includes:
- Potentially ordinary out-of-pocket losses: Up to $500 for documented expenses, including credit-monitoring fees, notary costs, and postage.
- Extraordinary losses: Up to $6,500 for documented identity-theft damages, fraudulent tax filings, and unreimbursed fraudulent charges, plus up to 10 hours of time spent remedying the incident at $25 per hour.
- California statutory payment: An additional $100 for California residents.
- Residual cash payment: Up to $250 per claimant might remain after making other payments.
This total maximum amount per individual combines these categories so that eligible claimants can be compensated for up to $7,350 though actual values may vary based upon the volume of claims and available funds.
Potential claimant consideration
This capacity extended to everyone who had a data breach notice from Panera classifying that an individual’s private information was probably involved in the March 2024 incident. This includes:
- All current and former employees of Panera.
- A small subset of customers, contractors, and other individuals identified in the notices.
Required documentation and what your receipt must show
Proof that can support a claim must include documents directly linking the loss or expense to the data breach. Acceptable proof could be:
- Receipts or statements: Original purchase receipts, credit-card statements, bank statements, or other official records showing transaction date, merchant name (Panera Bread), amount paid, and payment method details (e.g., last four digits of card).
- Correspondence: Letters or emails from financial institutions verifying unauthorized charges or fees.
- Time attestation: for time spent remedying consequences, up to ten hours, a signed statement that describes dates and tasks performed.
A handwritten note alone is not sufficient but can accompany other documentation as supporting evidence.
How to file your claim
- Obtain a claim form: Download from the settlement website; alternatively, call Claims Administrator at (833) 890-4542 to request a claim form.
- Complete and sign: Enter your full details, the class member ID (which would be given on the notice letter or email), and mark the categories of losses that all apply to you.
- Join attachments: Include clear copies of receipts, statements, and any attestation statements for time incurred.
- Submit by mail or online
- Online: Upload your scanned documents at the settlement portal.
- Mail: Send hard copies to:
- In re Panera Data Security Litigation c/o Kroll Settlement Administration LLC
P.O. Box 5324
New York, NY 10150-5324
Important deadlines
- Mail-in refund claims: postmarked or submitted online by November 11, 2025.
- Opt-out/exclusion: Must request exclusion by October 13, 2025 to preserve the right to pursue individual litigation.
- Final fairness hearing: Jan. 29, 2026 (for the purposes of objections taken before the court for approval).
After final approval by the court and conclusion of any appeals, the Claims Administrator will review submissions, verify documentation, and calculate each claimant’s award. Payment, in electronic transfer or paper check form, will be made within approximately 90 days of finalizing the settlement.
Maximize your recovery
- Act promptly: After November 11, you lose out in rights to payment.
- Gather full records: Make sure the receipts and statements identify Panera Bread, clearly show dates, and indicate amounts involved.
- Document time spent: Keep track of hours addressing issues related to identity theft; even little bits can increase your award.
- Determine if any California Statutory payments applied: If you lived in California at the time, make sure the request for the additional $100 statutory award is included.
These steps will let Panera customers and employees file the necessary documentation, with as little effort as possible, to claim their slim slice of a multi-million-dollar settlement, requiring just a receipt or statement showing at least an attempt has been made.
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