New York Blood Center and Memorial Blood Centers Data Breach $500K Settlement Pays $20 Cash or Up to $2,500—File Your Claim Before February 11, 2026
The $500,000 New York Blood Center and Memorial Blood Centers data breach settlement compensates donors whose personal and medical information was exposed in a January 2025 cyberattack. If you received a breach notification, you can file a claim for a $20 cash payment or up to $2,500 for documented losses. The claim deadline is February 11, 2026, and the final approval hearing is February 10, 2026.
Here’s what thousands of blood donors never expected: you gave blood to help save lives, and in return, your Social Security number, medical history, and blood test results ended up in hackers’ hands. Now there’s money waiting—but only if you claim it before February 11, 2026.
What Happened in the New York Blood Center Data Breach?
A targeted cyberattack compromised the computer systems of New York Blood Center (NYBC) and Memorial Blood Centers (MBC) in January 2025, exposing sensitive donor information to unauthorized access.
The breach exposed:
- Full names, addresses, and dates of birth
- Social Security numbers
- Blood type and blood test results
- Gender information
- Financial information for direct deposit
- Other sensitive personal and medical data
The cyberattack occurred between January 20-26, 2025. NYBC detected suspicious activity on their IT network on January 26, 2025, and immediately launched an investigation with external cybersecurity experts. Blood collection operations were restored by February 3, 2025.
The lawsuit, Dean, et al. v. New York Blood Center, Inc., et al., Case No. 62-CV-25-5975, filed in Ramsey County District Court, Minnesota, alleged NYBC and MBC failed to implement adequate cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive donor data.
Who Qualifies for the Settlement?
You’re eligible to file a claim if you meet this requirement:
You received a notice from New York Blood Center or Memorial Blood Centers stating your private information was compromised in the January 2025 data breach
That’s it. If you got the breach notification letter, you qualify for settlement benefits.
The settlement covers donors across multiple states through NYBC’s operating divisions: New York Blood Center, Blood Bank of Delmarva, Community Blood Center of Greater Kansas City, Connecticut Blood Center, Memorial Blood Centers, Nebraska Community Blood Bank, New Jersey Blood Services, and Rhode Island Blood Center.
How Much Money Can You Get?
The $500,000 settlement fund offers two payment options:
Option 1: Cash Payment
- $20 per person flat payment
- No documentation required
- Simple claim form
Option 2: Reimbursement for Documented Losses
- Up to $2,500 for expenses related to the breach
- Requires receipts and proof of losses
- Must show expenses occurred between January 26, 2025, and February 11, 2026
PLUS: One year of free medical data monitoring services for all class members who enroll
After attorney fees (up to $166,666.66), legal expenses (up to $20,000), and class representative service awards ($2,500 each) are deducted, the remaining funds will pay class member claims.
If claims exceed available funds, payments will be reduced proportionally. If fewer people file claims, the $20 cash payment could increase.
What Expenses Can You Get Reimbursed?
Documented losses eligible for reimbursement up to $2,500 include:
- Credit monitoring or identity protection service fees
- Time spent dealing with the breach (at reasonable hourly rates)
- Bank fees from fraudulent charges
- Costs to freeze or unfreeze credit reports
- Professional fees for identity theft resolution services
- Lost wages from time off work to address breach-related issues
- Certified mail or notary costs related to fraud resolution
- Legal fees incurred addressing identity theft
You must provide receipts, bills, bank statements, credit card statements, or other documentation proving these expenses.
How to File Your Claim (Step-by-Step)
Filing takes about 5-10 minutes online:
Step 1: Visit the official settlement website Go to bloodcenterssettlement.com
Step 2: Locate your Notice ID and PIN Find these on the breach notification letter you received from NYBC or MBC
Step 3: Complete the online claim form Log in with your Notice ID and PIN, then fill out your contact information
Step 4: Choose your payment option Select either the $20 cash payment OR reimbursement for documented losses (up to $2,500)
Step 5: Upload documentation (if claiming reimbursement) Attach receipts, bank statements, invoices, or other proof of expenses
Step 6: Submit before the deadline Claims must be submitted by February 11, 2026
Lost your Notice ID or PIN? Contact the settlement administrator:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 833-417-4928
- Provide your full name and mailing address
Prefer to file by mail? Download the PDF claim form from bloodcenterssettlement.com, complete it by hand, and mail to:
Blood Centers Data Incident Settlement c/o Settlement Administrator P.O. Box 25226 Santa Ana, CA 92799-9958
Postmark deadline: February 11, 2026
Critical Deadlines You Cannot Miss
February 11, 2026: Claim Filing Deadline Submit your claim online or postmarked by this date to receive payment
February 11, 2026: Objection Deadline If you disagree with the settlement terms, file a written objection with the court by this date
February 11, 2026: Opt-Out (Exclusion) Deadline Request exclusion if you want to preserve your right to sue separately
February 10, 2026: Final Approval Hearing The court will decide whether to grant final approval to the settlement (Ramsey County District Court, Minnesota)
Approximately 31 days after final approval: Payment Distribution Checks will be mailed once the court resolves any appeals and grants final approval
Missing the February 11 deadline means you forfeit your right to compensation and cannot sue NYBC or MBC separately over this data breach.
What Data Privacy Risks Do You Face?
The exposed information creates several threats:
Identity theft: Criminals can use your SSN and personal data to open fraudulent accounts, apply for credit cards or loans, or file fake tax returns in your name
Medical identity theft: Hackers can use your blood type, test results, and medical information to obtain prescription drugs, file false insurance claims, or access healthcare services under your identity
Financial fraud: Your direct deposit information could enable unauthorized bank account access
Privacy violations: Your sensitive medical and personal information was never meant to be accessed by unauthorized parties
Even if you haven’t experienced fraud yet, the breach creates ongoing risk. Exposed data doesn’t expire—criminals can use it months or years later.
What You Should Do Right Now
File your claim immediately at bloodcenterssettlement.com—don’t wait until February approaches
Keep your breach notification letter as proof you’re part of the settlement class
Enroll in the free medical data monitoring once the settlement receives final approval
Check your credit reports for suspicious activity at AnnualCreditReport.com (free reports from all three bureaus)
Place a fraud alert on your credit file by contacting Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion (free and lasts one year)
Consider a credit freeze for stronger protection that prevents new accounts from being opened in your name
Monitor financial accounts regularly for unauthorized charges or withdrawals
Watch for phishing attempts using your exposed information to make scams more convincing
File your taxes early to prevent criminals from filing fraudulent returns in your name
Review medical records and insurance EOBs for unfamiliar services or treatments
How This Settlement Compares to Other Blood Center Breaches
Recent blood center and healthcare data breach settlements provide context:
OneBlood Settlement (2024): $1 million settlement, 167,400 affected individuals, payments of $60 cash or up to $2,500 for documented losses
Liberty Hospital Settlement (2023): $1.5 million settlement, 264,541 affected individuals, estimated $150 per person or up to $500 for documented losses
New York Blood Center/Memorial Blood Centers (2025): $500,000 settlement, undisclosed number of affected individuals, $20 cash or up to $2,500 for documented losses
The NYBC/MBC settlement follows the standard two-tier structure: modest cash payment for everyone or higher reimbursement for those with documented expenses.
Healthcare data breaches increased 93% from 2018 to 2024, with blood centers becoming prime targets due to sensitive medical and personal information they maintain.
What NYBC and Memorial Blood Centers Must Do
While specific injunctive relief terms weren’t disclosed in available settlement documents, typical healthcare data breach settlements require:
Enhanced cybersecurity measures including regular security audits and penetration testing
Employee training programs on data protection and phishing prevention
Improved incident response procedures for detecting and responding to future breaches
Updated encryption protocols for stored donor information
Third-party security assessments to verify compliance
NYBC and MBC have already stated they contained the breach and restored operations, but the settlement likely includes ongoing security requirements.
Current Settlement Status
The court has granted preliminary approval, finding the settlement fair, reasonable, and adequate.
Final approval hearing is scheduled for February 10, 2026 at 2:00 PM in Ramsey County District Court, Minnesota.
You can attend the hearing if you want to speak about the settlement or object to its terms. You can also submit written objections by February 11, 2026.
The settlement administrator will begin processing claims and distributing payments approximately 31 days after the court grants final approval and resolves any appeals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I lost my breach notification letter?
Contact the settlement administrator at 833-417-4928 or [email protected] with your full name and mailing address. They can verify your eligibility and provide your Notice ID and PIN.
Can I claim both the $20 cash payment AND reimbursement?
No. You must choose one option: either the $20 cash payment OR reimbursement for documented losses up to $2,500. You cannot claim both.
Do I need receipts for the $20 cash payment?
No. The $20 cash payment requires no documentation. Only the reimbursement option (up to $2,500) requires receipts and proof of expenses.
What if I donated at multiple NYBC divisions?
You’re still only entitled to one claim per person, not one claim per donation location.
Can I still file if I’ve moved since donating?
Yes. Provide your current address on the claim form. Payments will be sent to the address you provide.
Will filing a claim affect my taxes?
Settlement payments may be taxable income. The settlement administrator will provide appropriate tax forms if your payment exceeds IRS reporting thresholds.
Can I opt out and sue separately?
Yes, but you must request exclusion in writing before February 11, 2026. Opting out means you receive no settlement payment but can pursue your own lawsuit.
What happens if I do nothing?
You’ll receive nothing and give up your right to sue NYBC or MBC over this data breach. The settlement becomes binding on all class members who don’t opt out.
How long until I receive payment?
Approximately 31 days after the court grants final approval on February 10, 2026 (assuming no appeals). Expect checks around mid-March 2026.
Key Takeaways
The claim deadline is February 11, 2026—file immediately at bloodcenterssettlement.com
You can claim $20 cash (no receipts needed) or up to $2,500 for documented losses (receipts required)
Filing takes 5-10 minutes online using your Notice ID and PIN from the breach notification letter
Lost your Notice ID? Call 833-417-4928 or email [email protected]
Final approval hearing is February 10, 2026—payments distributed approximately 31 days later
Free medical data monitoring included for all class members
The settlement provides compensation for the January 2025 breach and requires security improvements to protect future donors. Whether you file for the cash payment or expense reimbursement, submitting your claim ensures you receive what you’re entitled to.
Ready to File Your Claim?
Visit the official settlement website at bloodcenterssettlement.com or call 833-417-4928 Monday-Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM ET.
For identity theft protection resources, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s IdentityTheft.gov for free recovery assistance.
For more information about data breach settlements and your consumer rights, explore related articles on AllAboutLawyer.com about healthcare privacy violations, class action procedures, and protecting yourself after data breaches.
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About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
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