Massachusetts drivers in the Uber and Lyft class action settlement may receive payment if they worked for either company during the settlement period and meet specific requirements

A class action settlement involving Uber and Lyft in Massachusetts resolved claims about how the companies classified drivers and what they owed them. If you drove for either company in Massachusetts between specific dates, you may be part of this settlement and may have access to to a payment. The settlement does not change how Uber or Lyft operates going forward — it addresses past wages and benefits for a defined group of drivers.

To understand whether you have a claim and what steps to take, you need to know who the settlement covers, what period of work it includes, and how to submit a claim if you are part of the group.

Key Takeaways

  • The Massachusetts settlement covers drivers who worked for Uber or Lyft during a specific time window, typically several years before the settlement was approved.
  • You must have been classified as an independent contractor by the company during the settlement period to be included in the class.
  • Payments are distributed based on the number of hours or trips you completed, so drivers with longer work histories receive larger shares.
  • You must submit a claim form with proof of your work history — usually screenshots, tax documents, or account records — to receive payment.
  • The settlement administrator handles all payments and communications, not Uber or Lyft directly.

Who is covered by the Massachusetts settlement

The settlement covers drivers who worked for Uber or Lyft as independent contractors in Massachusetts during the settlement class period. The exact dates vary depending on which settlement you are part of, as there have been multiple class actions. Generally, the period runs from several years before the settlement was filed through the date the settlement was approved by the court.

You are included if you completed at least one trip or delivery during that window. You do not need to have worked for the entire period — even drivers who worked for a few weeks or months are part of the class. The key requirement is that you were classified as an independent contractor, not as an employee, during the time you worked.

If you drove for both companies during the settlement period, you may have separate claims for each one, since the settlements are handled independently.

What the settlement covers and what it does not

The settlement addresses claims that Uber and Lyft misclassified drivers as independent contractors rather than employees, which meant drivers did not receive employee benefits like workers' compensation, unemployment insurance, or paid leave. The settlement compensates drivers for this misclassification during the class period.

The settlement does not change how Uber or Lyft currently classifies drivers in Massachusetts. It does not convert past independent contractor status to employee status retroactively. It does not cover tips, bonuses, or incentive payments you received. It covers only the base compensation and benefits-related claims from the class period.

If you have a separate wage claim — for example, you believe you were not paid for time spent waiting for rides — that may be a different matter and is not part of this settlement. The settlement administrator can tell you whether your specific situation falls within the settlement scope.

How to determine if you have a valid claim

Start by confirming that you worked for Uber or Lyft in Massachusetts during the settlement class period. You should have records from your account showing trips, deliveries, or active driving time. The settlement administrator will ask you to provide this proof when you submit your claim.

Check the settlement website or court documents for the exact class period dates. These dates are specific to each settlement, and you must have worked during that window to be included. If you worked before the class period started or after it ended, you are not covered by that particular settlement.

If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements, contact the settlement administrator directly. Their contact information is on the settlement website and in any notices you received by mail. They can answer questions about whether your work history qualifies you for a claim.

How to submit a claim and what documents you need

The settlement administrator will send claim forms to known class members by mail and email. You can also find the claim form on the settlement website. The form asks for your name, contact information, and details about your work history with the company.

You will need to provide proof that you worked during the settlement period. Acceptable documents typically include screenshots of your driver account showing trips or earnings, tax returns or 1099 forms from the company, bank statements showing deposits from Uber or Lyft, or emails from the company confirming your account status. The more specific your proof — showing dates, trip counts, or hours — the stronger your claim.

Submit your claim form and supporting documents by the important date listed on the settlement website. important date vary by settlement but are usually several months after the settlement is approved. Claims submitted after the important date are typically rejected, so mark the date on your calendar and submit early if possible.

How payments are calculated and distributed

The total settlement amount is divided among all valid claims. Your individual payment depends on how much you worked during the class period. Drivers with more hours or trips receive larger payments than those who worked briefly.

The settlement administrator calculates each driver's share based on the information you provide in your claim form. If you submit proof showing 500 hours of work and another driver submits proof of 1,000 hours, their payment will be roughly twice yours. The exact calculation method is detailed in the settlement documents.

Payments are usually issued by check or direct deposit several months after the claim important date passes. The administrator needs time to review all claims, verify information, and process payments. You will receive notice of your payment amount before the money is sent.

What to do if you do not receive a notice or cannot find your claim

If you worked for Uber or Lyft in Massachusetts during the settlement period but did not receive a notice in the mail, you may still be part of the class. The settlement administrator may not have had your current address. You can find the settlement website through a court records search or by searching for "Uber Lyft Massachusetts class action settlement" online.

Once you locate the settlement website, look for a claims page or settlement administrator contact information. You can submit a claim even if you did not receive a mailed notice, as long as you submit before the important date. If you have questions about whether you are included or how to submit a late claim, contact the administrator directly — they handle exceptions and can advise you on next steps.

Keep any documents you have from your work history, such as tax forms or bank statements, because you will need them to support your claim. Do not wait for a notice to arrive if you know you worked during the settlement period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay taxes on the settlement payment I receive?

Settlement payments may be subject to federal income tax. The settlement administrator will send you a tax form (usually a 1099) showing the amount you received. Consult a tax professional about how to report this on your tax return, as the treatment depends on your specific situation and income level.

What if I cannot find proof of all the hours I worked?

Submit whatever documentation you have. The settlement administrator understands that not all drivers keep detailed records. You can use tax returns, bank statements, screenshots, or even a written statement describing your work history. The administrator will review what you provide and make a information based on the evidence available.

Can I submit a claim for both Uber and Lyft if I drove for both?

Yes. Each company has its own settlement, and you can submit separate claims to each one if you worked for both during their respective class periods. Submit claims to both settlement administrators with proof of your work for each company.

What happens if the settlement administrator rejects my claim?

If your claim is rejected, you will receive a notice explaining the reason. You typically have a window to submit additional documentation or appeal the decision. Follow the instructions in the rejection notice, or contact the administrator to ask about the appeal process.

Is there a important date to claim my payment?

Yes. The settlement has a claim important date, usually several months after the settlement is approved. Check the settlement website for the exact date. Claims submitted after the important date are generally not accepted, so submit yours well before the cutoff date.