What 'no proof required' actually means — and when receipts pay

Settlement claim forms often offer two paths: a flat or pro rata cash payment that needs nothing but your attestation, and a larger reimbursement that needs documentation. Data-breach settlements almost always work this way — a small no-proof payment, or up to several thousand dollars for documented losses.

'No proof required' does not mean 'no rules.' You still sign the claim form under penalty of perjury, and the administrator can audit claims. File only if you believe you meet the official criteria.

When documentation is worth it

If the breach or product actually cost you money — fraudulent charges, credit-monitoring fees you paid for, replacement IDs, repair bills — the documented tier is usually worth the effort. The gap between tiers can be large: $75 without documents versus up to $5,000 with them is a real pattern in current settlements.

Useful documents are boring ones: bank statements, receipts, invoices, correspondence with the company. Gather them before you start the form.

When the simple option is fine

If you had no out-of-pocket losses, the no-proof payment exists for you. Take it, enroll in the free credit monitoring if offered, and move on. Do not inflate a claim to reach the higher tier — false claims can be rejected and may carry legal consequences.