The deadline to watch before year's end is Nov. 20, 2026. That is the final date to file a claim in the $4.5 million Hearthside Food Solutions child-labor settlement in Illinois.
The settlement resolves alleged child-labor violations at Hearthside food plants in Illinois. It was reached in January 2025 by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the Illinois Department of Labor. Affected former child workers must file a compensation claim form to receive payment.
Official resource:
- Read the official notice from Illinoisattorneygeneral — Use this primary source to verify the official announcement.
Table of Contents
- Who qualifies for payment?
- How do you file before Nov. 20?
- How much will you receive, and when?
- What if you lack paperwork or need help?
Who qualifies for payment?
The official settlement administrator site says coverage includes anyone who worked at a Hearthside facility in Illinois while under age 16 at any point from March 1, 2020 to Dec. 4, 2024 (eligibility details). That period defines the full eligibility window. Even brief work during that window can count if the age rule is met. Coverage also includes workers hired through temporary staffing agencies.
Many food-plant jobs were filled through staffing firms. Those workers qualify on the same terms as direct hires. The Illinois Attorney General says immigration status does not affect eligibility and personal information is kept confidential in a September claim reminder. Workers should not avoid filing because of status concerns. Confidential handling applies to all claims.
- Worked at an Illinois Hearthside facility between March 1, 2020 and Dec. 4, 2024
- Were under age 16 for some or all of that work
- Were hired directly or through a temporary staffing agency
How do you file before Nov. 20?
The Illinois Attorney General says eligible workers must submit their compensation claim forms by Nov. 20, 2026 in a September claim reminder. This is a final filing deadline before year's end. Late forms will miss the payment pool. Claims are filed online through Atticus Administration.
That firm is the neutral third-party administrator hired and supervised by the state to manage the settlement. Filers use the official settlement site to reach the claim form. Claimants must submit supporting documentation with the form. Those lacking documents should still start the process early. Early filing leaves time to resolve paperwork problems before the deadline.
- Go to the official settlement site and open the claim form
- Enter work history and contact details
- Attach supporting documentation
- Submit before Nov. 20, 2026
How much will you receive, and when?
The official settlement FAQ says each payment will be a pro-rata share of the fund available to claimants based on how long the person worked at Hearthside while under 16 (payment information). Longer qualifying work time means a larger share. Shorter work time means a smaller share. The total fund is $4.5 million, but individual amounts depend on the number of valid claims.
More approved claimants divide the available fund into smaller shares. Fewer approved claimants leave larger shares per person. The official settlement FAQ also lists distribution in Quarter 1 of 2027, January through March. A more specific date will be announced closer to distribution. Claimants do not receive money in 2026.
What if you lack paperwork or need help?
Workers without documents or uncomfortable submitting a tax ID online can get help by phone, email, or mail. The administrator can explain alternate options and filing steps. Do not let missing records stop a claim. Free claim-filing help is also available from Chicago Workers' Collaborative.
The group assists workers with forms, questions, and documentation issues. Help is confidential and does not depend on immigration status. Call Chicago Workers' Collaborative at 630-824-7724 for free assistance. Phone help is useful for workers who prefer speaking to someone directly. Mail and email options help those who cannot file comfortably online.