Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why did I get a Notice?

The notice is to tell you about the settlement of a government enforcement action that the California Civil Rights Department brought on behalf of women who work or have worked in California for Snap Inc. between January 1, 2014 and June 18, 2024. You received a notice because you may be a member of the group of people affected, called the Group/Class. The notice gives you a summary of the terms of the settlement agreement, explains what rights you have, and helps you make informed decisions about what action to take.

Along with the Notice, you have also received a check. The Notice will provide information about what happens if you deposit/cash the check (you will give up certain legal rights), why you are receiving a check, and other questions you may have about this settlement. The Notice is an important legal document, and we recommend that you read all of it.

2. What is this government enforcement action about?

The California Civil Rights Department (“CRD”), formerly the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, issued a cause finding in 2022 determining that CRD had reasonable cause to believe that Snap Inc. had violated state anti-discrimination and harassment laws in violation of the Fair Employment and Housing Act ("FEHA"), the Equal Pay Act, and related provisions of the Labor Code. You can find out more information about the government enforcement action at CRD’s website:
https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/readingroom/

3. What is a Settlement?

A settlement is an agreement between the parties to resolve the case. Settlements can provide money to group/class members and changes to the practices that caused the harm.

4. Why is there a settlement in this lawsuit?

In 2024, the parties agreed to settle before a lawsuit was filed. Both sides want to avoid the risk and expense of litigation.

The settlement is on behalf of all members of the settlement class. The Court has not decided this case in favor of either side and Snap denies all liability.

5. What happens next in this lawsuit?

If you want to participate in the settlement, you should cash the enclosed check with the Notice. Cashing the check means you will release the claims set out in the release included with the Notice. Individuals will be given an opportunity to decide whether they want to submit claims for the Discretionary Fund.

6. What does the settlement provide?

Snap Inc. has agreed to pay $15,000,000 into a settlement fund. This money has been divided among the Group/Class Members and will also be used to pay for costs and fees approved by the Court, including the cost of administering this settlement (expected to be approximately $19,250.00) and CRD's attorneys' fees. Of the $15 million, about $3.5 million has been allocated to the Discretionary Fund, $3 million for minimum payments, and $8 million for tenure adjustments.

Members of the settlement class will release their claims as part of the settlement by depositing or cashing their check, which means they cannot sue Snap Inc. for the same issues in this lawsuit. The full terms of the release are enclosed in the Notice and can be found at here.

If there is money left over after the claims process is completed, it will be redistributed to Group/Class Members who have already cashed or deposited payment checks within the settlement's deadlines.

7. How do I know if I am part of this settlement?

If you are a current or former female employee that worked for Snap Inc. in California at any time between January 1, 2014, and June 18, 2024, you are part of this settlement. If you are not a female employee that worked for Snap Inc. in California during the relevant time period, do not cash the enclosed check with the Notice.

If you are unsure of whether you are part of this settlement, contact the Settlement Administrator at (844) 804-2692.

8. How much will my payment be?

As a Group/Class Member, you are entitled to a Minimum Payment of $1,363.00 before tax withholdings.

You may also receive an additional payment based on how long you worked at Snap Inc. This payment amount, or "Tenure Adjustment", will be calculated based on the number of weeks you worked for Snap Inc. in California between January 1, 2014 and June 18, 2024. By depositing the payment, you will release all claims listed in Exhibit A listed under the section for Minimum Payment and Tenure Adjustment, which includes all claims asserted by CRD in the Complaint, in which CRD alleged violations of FEHA and California’s Equal Pay Act and related provisions of the Labor Code concerning discrimination against female employees in compensation, promotion, termination/constructive discharge, sexual harassment, equal pay, retaliation and failure to prevent unlawful employment practices.

You may also be eligible for additional monetary relief from the Discretionary Fund if you experienced any harassing comments, comments or conduct based on your sex or of a sexual nature, or any other wrongful conduct protected by FEHA on any other protected basis between January 1, 2014 and June 18, 2024. To be considered for additional monetary relief, you must complete and submit the Discretionary Fund Claim Form. The Discretionary Fund Claim Form will only be viewed by CRD. CRD will review your submission and may reach out to you if CRD has questions. CRD will use that information to determine if you will receive additional money and how much money to allocate to you. If CRD determines you will be allocated money from the Discretionary Fund, you will be mailed a separate check and a copy of the Release that will apply to you as a participant in the Discretionary Fund. The Discretionary Fund Process will take at least another 180 days from the date that you received the notice.

Regardless of whether you choose to submit the Discretionary Fund Claim Form, if you choose to deposit the check containing the Minimum Payment and Tenure Adjustment (if any), you release all claims listed in Exhibit A listed under the section for Minimum Payment and Tenure Adjustment.

After the distribution of the Minimum Payments, Tenure Adjustments, the Discretionary Fund, and the settlement administrator’s costs, there may be additional settlement funds remaining. If that occurs, there may be a redistribution of funds to those who have cashed their checks.

9. How do I get a payment if I am a class member?

You do not need to do anything further in order to receive the Minimum Payment and Tenure Adjustment (if any), it is included with the notice. If you believe you are eligible to receive additional payments, you must submit a completed Discretionary Fund Claim Form to the Settlement Administrator download a claim form here and mail to the Settlement Administrator by April 7, 2025.

If you cash or deposit your payments, you will hold the Parties free and harmless from and against any claims resulting from treatment of such payments as non-taxable damages, including the treatment of such payment as not subject to withholding or deduction for payroll and employment taxes.

10. Do I have a lawyer in this lawsuit?

No. This is a governmental enforcement action. CRD is a state agency tasked with investigating and prosecuting civil rights actions and seeking remedies. CRD has the authority to file lawsuits seeking relief for a group or class of persons adversely affected, in a similar manner, by an unlawful practice without directly representing them.

If you want to be represented by your own lawyer, you may hire one at your own expense. The expense of hiring your own lawyer will not be paid out of this settlement.

11. Do I have to pay the lawyers in this lawsuit?

No. CRD’s lawyers' fees and costs for this settlement will be paid from the Settlement Fund. You will not have to pay the CRD lawyers.

12. What are the consequences of doing nothing?

If you choose not to cash or deposit the check, the payment will become void after 180 days after the date of issue. You will retain the right to start, continue, or be part of any other lawsuit against Snap Inc. about the issues in this case. However, if you decide to cash or deposit the check, you are agreeing to release certain legal claims against Snap Inc. This means you will be bound by the settlement and its release provisions.

Please see the Consent Decree, which can be found here for a full description of the claims.

13. How do I get more information?

The notice is a summary of the proposed settlement. The complete settlement with all its terms can be found here. To get a copy of the settlement agreement or get answers to your questions:

• contact the California Civil Rights Department
• visit the case website at https://CRDSnapsettlement.com
• visit the Clerk’s office of the Court (address below).