Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ 1
How do I get out of or opt-out of the Class?
To ask to opt out of or be excluded from the Class, a Class member must send a letter or postcard postmarked by January 14, 2019, including his or her name, address, and telephone number, saying words to the effect of: "I want to be excluded from the Class in Steigerwald v. Berryhill," and send the letter or postcard to the following address: 3050 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20007. Make sure to address the envelope or postcard to: “SSA Class Action, Attention: Ira T. Kasdan, Kelley Drye & Warren LLP.”
If you ask to get out of or be excluded from the Class, you cannot get any past-due benefits from this lawsuit, but you will keep any rights you may have to sue the Social Security Administration for these claims. You will not be bound by any orders or judgments of the Court.
FAQ 2
Do I have to pay Class Counsel to participate in the Class?
You do not have to pay Class Counsel now to participate as a Class member. Instead, if the Class obtains past-due money from SSA, Class Counsel intend to ask the Court for an order to deduct attorneys' fees from Class members' past-due money benefits of not more than 25% of each individual award to a Class member. SSA has opposed the award of any fees to Class Counsel. The Court will decide what percentage, if any, to award Class Counsel after a hearing on fees.
Class members will also have an opportunity to submit written comments or an objection to the Court in advance instead of making an appearance at the hearing on fees. The time, date and location of the fees hearing will be posted on this website. Click on the “Fees Hearing” tab for that information which will be posted shortly after it becomes available.
FAQ 3
How can I get more information about this class action lawsuit?
You may write to:
SSA Class Action,
Attn: Ira T. Kasdan,
Kelley Drye & Warren LLP,
3050 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20007.