If you delivered for DoorDash in New York or Illinois between 2017 and 2019, you might be in for a surprise payday. DoorDash has agreed to a $28 million legal settlement following accusations that it misused customer tips to subsidize driver pay.
Over 60,000 Dashers could qualify for a payout—and yes, you could be one of them. Here’s everything you need to know to check your eligibility and claim your money.
Overview
Let’s break it down. The DoorDash Settlement 2025 stems from allegations that the company used tips to reduce the amount it paid drivers under a now-retired “Pay Guarantee Model.” Instead of drivers getting tips on top of their guaranteed base pay, those tips were counted towards the guarantee—leaving drivers with less than expected.
After years of legal pressure, DoorDash agreed to pay out:
- $16.75 million in New York
- $11.25 million in Illinois
The settlement is now being distributed, and drivers who delivered during the impacted periods in these states can file claims.
Eligibility
Let’s look at who qualifies.
New York
To qualify for the New York portion, you must have:
- Delivered for DoorDash in New York
- Worked between May 2017 and September 2019
- Been paid under the Pay Guarantee Model
If that sounds like you, good news: you’re likely eligible. Over 63,000 Dashers in New York may qualify.
Illinois
For Illinois, the requirements are similar:
- Delivered in Illinois
- Worked between July 2017 and September 2019
- Received pay under the same model
Important note: The claim deadline was February 10, 2025. If you missed it, your window might have closed—unless a grace period opens later. Keep an eye on the official site just in case.
Process
Here’s how to actually claim your piece of the pie.
New York Dashers
- Check your inbox – Emails, texts, and even letters are going out to eligible Dashers.
- Look for a Claim Form – This will have instructions and a unique ID for you.
- Fill it out completely – You may need to upload documents like a license or proof of DoorDash work.
- Wait for your payment – Payouts are expected in early 2025, but this could shift.
Illinois Dashers
- Visit www.ildoordashsettlement.com
- Submit your claim (if within the deadline or grace period)
- Wait for payment – Settlements are expected after May 4, 2025
Not sure if you’re eligible? You can reach out to the settlement administrator via contact details on the official websites.
Impact
Sure, the money is nice—but this settlement means more than just a payout. It’s a major moment for the gig economy.
This case put a spotlight on shady pay practices and has already influenced how gig platforms treat driver tips and pay. More importantly, it’s a warning to other companies: transparency matters. If tips are meant for workers, they should stay with workers.
We’ve seen similar concerns at places like Instacart and Amazon Flex. So, whether you’re already in the gig economy or thinking about joining, let this be your reminder to:
- Stay informed
- Check pay policies regularly
- Join driver forums and online communities
- Speak up if something seems off
Payouts
Here’s a snapshot of what’s on the table:
State | Settlement Amount | Eligibility Period | Deadline |
---|---|---|---|
New York | $16.75 million | May 2017 – Sept 2019 | In progress (2025) |
Illinois | $11.25 million | July 2017 – Sept 2019 | Feb 10, 2025 (closed) |
With more than $28 million up for grabs and over 63,000 potentially eligible drivers, this is a historic settlement. If you were part of the DoorDash network during the specified periods, take action now—you don’t want to leave money on the table.
And hey, even if you missed the claim window, this whole case is a powerful reminder that the fight for fair pay in the gig economy is far from over.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the NY DoorDash payout?
Dashers who worked in New York from May 2017 to Sept 2019.
Is the Illinois claim window still open?
The deadline was Feb 10, 2025, but check for grace periods.
How much is the DoorDash settlement worth?
$28 million total—$16.75M for NY and $11.25M for IL.
How will I get paid from the settlement?
Via check or digital payment after claims are verified.
Where can I file a claim for Illinois?
Visit www.ildoordashsettlement.com to submit or check claims.