Do You Need Proof to File a Class Action Claim?

December 5, 2025 — One of the biggest reasons people skip filing class action claims is they assume they need receipts they threw away years ago. Good news: that's often not true.

Many settlements let you claim money with zero proof. Here's how it actually works.

The Short Answer

It depends on the settlement — but more often than you'd expect, no proof is required. Settlement administrators know most people don't keep receipts for everyday purchases, so they build in ways to claim without documentation.

When You Don't Need Proof

Many settlements offer "no proof" claims for smaller amounts. You simply attest under penalty of perjury that you bought the product or used the service, and that's enough.

Common examples:

• Data breach settlements — If a company already has your info in their system, they know you were affected. No receipt needed.
• Consumer product settlements — Often allow claims for 1-3 items without proof. You just confirm you bought the product.
• Privacy settlements — If you used the app or service during the covered period, your attestation is usually sufficient.
• Subscription services — The company has records showing you were a customer.

When Proof Helps

Documentation becomes important when:

• You're claiming a higher dollar amount
• You bought more items than the "no proof" limit allows
• You're claiming specific out-of-pocket losses (like identity theft expenses)
• The settlement only offers reimbursement with receipts

Even then, "proof" doesn't always mean the original receipt. Settlements often accept:

• Credit card or bank statements showing the purchase
• Email order confirmations
• Screenshots of purchase history
• Shipping confirmations
• Photos of the product
• Signed affidavits (a written statement that you bought it)

How "Attestation" Works

When a settlement says "no proof required," you'll usually need to check a box confirming your claim is true under penalty of perjury. This means you're legally swearing the information is accurate.

Don't lie. Settlement administrators do audit claims, and submitting false information is fraud. But if you legitimately bought the product or used the service, your honest attestation is enough.

Real Examples

Here's how proof requirements work in actual settlements:

• 23andMe Data Breach — No proof needed. If you got a breach notice, you're in.
• PetSafe E-Collar — Claim up to 3 products with no receipt. Need proof only for 4+ items.
• YouTube Kids Privacy — No proof of viewing history required. Just attest your child watched kids' content.
• Hyundai/Kia Airbag — Need documentation for expense reimbursement, but residual payments don't require receipts.

Tips for Future Claims

Want to maximize your payouts on future settlements? Start keeping lightweight records:

• Screenshot email receipts before archiving
• Save order confirmation emails in a folder
• Take photos of products when you buy them
• Check credit card statements before they roll off (usually 7 years of history available)

Bottom Line

Don't assume you can't file just because you don't have a receipt. Check the settlement terms — you might be surprised how easy it is to claim.

Download ClassyAction to find settlements you qualify for and see exactly what proof (if any) each one requires.