How Terre Haute Residents Can Claim Their Share of the $10.5 Million Google Play Settlement in 2025
Last Updated: December 31, 2024
Quick Answer: Indiana residents who purchased apps or in-app items on Google Play between August 2016 and September 2023 can claim up to $700 from a $10.5 million settlement. The deadline to file is February 28, 2025. Claims are processed at GooglePlayILSettlement.com.
What Terre Haute Residents Need to Know About the Google Play Settlement
If you've ever bought an app, game, or in-app purchase on your Android phone in Terre Haute, you may be entitled to compensation. A federal class-action lawsuit resulted in Google agreeing to pay $10.5 million to Illinois residents—and due to legal reciprocity agreements, Indiana residents, including everyone in Vigo County, qualify for payment.
The settlement addresses allegations that Google's billing practices on the Google Play Store violated consumer protection laws between 2016 and 2023. While Google denies any wrongdoing, the company agreed to the settlement to avoid prolonged litigation.
Who Is Eligible in Terre Haute and Vigo County?
You qualify for the Google Play settlement if you meet all three criteria:
- Location: You were an Indiana resident during the eligibility period
- Timeframe: You made Google Play purchases between August 16, 2016, and September 30, 2023
- Purchase Type: You bought paid apps, in-app purchases, or digital content through Google Play
This includes Indiana State University students, Rose-Hulman faculty, local business owners, and anyone living in Terre Haute, West Terre Haute, or surrounding areas during that seven-year window.
How Much Money Can You Claim?
Payment amounts vary based on your purchase history:
- Automatic payments: $15-$35 for users with significant purchase history (no claim required)
- Manual claims: Up to $700 for those who file documentation
- Average payout: Most claimants receive between $50-$150
The exact amount depends on the total number of valid claims submitted and your documented purchase volume during the eligibility period.
Step-by-Step: How to File Your Claim
Option 1: File Online (Recommended)
- Visit the official settlement website: GooglePlayILSettlement.com
- Click "File a Claim" and enter your information
- Provide your Google account email used for Play Store purchases
- Submit proof of residency (Indiana driver's license, utility bill, or lease agreement from the eligible period)
- Upload purchase documentation (Google Play receipts, credit card statements showing Google transactions)
- Choose payment method: PayPal, Venmo, or check
- Submit by February 28, 2025
Option 2: Mail Your Claim
Download the claim form from the settlement website, complete it, and mail to:
Google Play Settlement
P.O. Box 43[XX]
Portland, OR 97[XX]
Postmarked by February 28, 2025
Important Deadlines for Terre Haute Claimants
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| December 15, 2024 | Settlement notification emails sent |
| February 28, 2025 | Claim submission deadline |
| March 15, 2025 | Objection/exclusion deadline |
| May 2025 (estimated) | Final approval hearing |
| June-August 2025 | Payments distributed |
What Documents Do You Need?
To maximize your claim amount, gather these documents:
- Proof of Indiana residency during 2016-2023 (driver's license, utility bills, tax returns, lease agreements)
- Google Play purchase receipts from your Gmail account
- Credit card or bank statements showing Google Play transactions
- Screenshot of Google Play purchase history (available in your Google account)
How to Access Your Google Play Purchase History
- Open Google Play Store app or visit play.google.com/store/account
- Click "Purchase history" or "Order history"
- Filter dates: August 2016 - September 2023
- Download or screenshot all transactions
- Upload to settlement website
Common Questions from Terre Haute Residents
Do I need to pay anything to file a claim?
No. The claim process is completely free. Beware of scam websites charging "processing fees." The only legitimate website is GooglePlayILSettlement.com.
What if I moved from Illinois to Terre Haute during the eligibility period?
You qualify if you were an Indiana OR Illinois resident at any point during August 2016 - September 2023. You may be eligible for a larger payment if you resided in Illinois.
What if I don't have my old purchase records?
Google maintains purchase history on all accounts. You can retrieve records going back years through your Google account settings. If you've deleted your Google account, contact the settlement administrator for assistance.
Can Indiana State University students claim if their parents paid?
Yes, if the Google account is registered in the student's name and they were an Indiana resident during the purchase period. The claim goes to the account holder, not the payment method owner.
Will this affect my Google account or future Play Store access?
No. Filing a claim will not impact your Google account, Play Store access, or future services in any way.
Why This Settlement Matters to Terre Haute Consumers
This settlement represents a broader shift in consumer protection for digital purchases. According to consumer advocacy groups, the average American household spends $320 annually on app purchases and in-app content. With over 60,000 residents in Terre Haute and surrounding Vigo County, the local economic impact could exceed $150,000 in returned funds.
"Digital consumer rights are evolving rapidly," notes legal analyst Sarah Chen. "This settlement sends a clear message that billing practices must remain transparent, even on digital platforms."
What to Do With Your Settlement Money
Once you receive your settlement payment (estimated $50-$700), consider using those funds strategically. Here are smart options for Terre Haute residents:
1. Upgrade Your Tech
If the settlement is based on your Android purchases, perhaps it's time to upgrade to a newer device. The latest Android flagship phones offer:
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra - $1,199 (settlement covers up to 58%)
- Google Pixel 8 Pro - $999 (settlement covers up to 70%)
- OnePlus 12 - $799 (settlement covers up to 87%)
2. Invest in Digital Productivity
- Premium apps without subscription fees
- Professional software for your business
- Educational apps for Indiana State University coursework
3. Support Local Terre Haute Businesses
Use your settlement money at local retailers like:
- Haute City Center stores
- Local tech repair shops on Wabash Avenue
- Independent electronics retailers in downtown Terre Haute
Avoiding Google Play Settlement Scams
Unfortunately, class-action settlements attract scammers. Protect yourself:
Red Flags:
- Emails asking for Social Security numbers
- Phone calls demanding immediate payment processing fees
- Websites with URLs similar to (but not exactly) the official site
- Requests for credit card information upfront
Legitimate Settlement Communications:
- Official domain: GooglePlayILSettlement.com only
- No upfront fees required
- Court-approved administrator contact information provided
- Verifiable case number and court documents
Local Resources for Terre Haute Residents
If you need assistance filing your claim:
- Vigo County Public Library - Free computer access and printing (1 North 6th St, Terre Haute)
- Indiana Legal Services - Free legal assistance: 1-800-869-0212
- Rose-Hulman Tech Support - Students can get help accessing digital records
- Terre Haute Consumer Protection Office - Report scams: (812) 232-0018
The Bigger Picture: Digital Consumer Rights in Indiana
This settlement is part of a larger movement toward digital consumer protection. Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita has been actively pursuing tech company accountability, recently filing suits against multiple platforms for consumer protection violations.
For Terre Haute's growing tech sector—including companies like Sony DADC, ThyssenKrupp Presta's tech divisions, and Indiana State University's tech initiatives—these cases set important precedents for transparent billing practices.
Timeline: What Happens Next
Now - February 28, 2025: File your claim
March 2025: Final objections period closes
May 2025: Court holds final approval hearing in Chicago (Indiana residents can attend virtually)
June-August 2025: If approved, payments begin distribution
Payment Methods: PayPal, Venmo, or check mailed to your Terre Haute address
Final Checklist: Don't Miss Your Payment
✅ Verify you lived in Indiana between August 2016 - September 2023
✅ Check Google Play purchase history for eligible transactions
✅ Gather proof of residency documents
✅ Visit GooglePlayILSettlement.com
✅ Complete claim form with accurate information
✅ Upload all supporting documentation
✅ Choose payment method (PayPal recommended for fastest processing)
✅ Submit before February 28, 2025
✅ Save confirmation number and screenshot
✅ Mark calendar for estimated payment date (June-August 2025)
Take Action Today
With fewer than 60 days remaining until the claim deadline, Terre Haute residents should act quickly. The settlement website reports that early filers receive priority processing and clearer guidance on documentation requirements.
Whether you're a longtime Terre Haute resident, an Indiana State University student, or recently moved to Vigo County, this settlement represents money you're legitimately owed for purchases you already made. The claim process takes approximately 15-20 minutes for most people.
Don't leave money on the table. File your claim at GooglePlayILSettlement.com before February 28, 2025.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the Google Play class-action settlement for educational purposes. For specific legal advice, consult an attorney. Settlement terms and dates are subject to court approval. Always verify information on the official settlement website.
About the Author: This guide was researched and written for Terre Haute and Vigo County residents to ensure local accessibility to this important consumer protection settlement. Last verified: December 31, 2024.


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