NYC Abuse Settlement: Who Qualifies, and How to File

What is the NYC Abuse Settlement about?

A new New York City law — Bill 1297-A, an amendment to the Gender-Motivated Violence Act (GMVA) effective January 29, 2026 — opened an 18-month lookback window letting survivors of institutional sexual abuse in NYC file civil claims, even for abuse that happened decades ago. Survivors may sue both individual abusers and the institutions that enabled them — including juvenile detention centers, schools, churches, hospitals, government agencies, and employers — as long as the abuse occurred in NYC before January 9, 2022. The window closes permanently on July 29, 2027.

Who qualifies for the NYC Abuse Settlement?

You may qualify for the NYC Abuse Settlement if you meet the eligibility requirements below. Eligibility is finally determined by the settlement administrator, not by Payout.

• You were sexually abused in New York City before January 9, 2022
• The abuse was connected to an institution, organization, employer, or government agency — such as a juvenile detention center, school, church, hospital, or workplace
• New claims are allowed even if you were previously time-barred, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred
• Prior lawsuits dismissed between March 1, 2023 and March 1, 2025 may now be refiled
• You file your claim before the lookback window closes on July 29, 2027

How do you file a NYC Abuse Settlement claim?

Check the eligibility requirements above, then file on the official claim site before Jul 29, 2027. You file directly with the settlement administrator and keep 100% of any payment — Payout never takes a cut.

Frequently asked questions

Before you file

If this is your first claim, how to claim a class action settlement walks through the process end to end, and what class action settlements actually pay per person explains how the amount is decided before you spend time on the form. Many cases need no receipts at all — see settlements with no proof of purchase.