If you’re asking “when will boy scout victims get paid 2026?”, the short answer is that the Settlement Trust aims to resolve all claims by the end of 2026. However, the exact timeline depends on pending appeals and ongoing insurance litigation. As of December 2025, over $295 million has been distributed to more than 36,896 survivors, but many victims are still waiting.
The financial and emotional toll on survivors has been significant. Thousands of aging claimants have endured decades of trauma, often living on Social Security or retirement income while awaiting closure. The $2.46 billion settlement stemmed from more than 82,000 filed claims, representing one of the largest abuse-related payouts in U.S. history.
This article provides a detailed look at the current payment status, what survivors can expect in 2026, reasons for delays, and options for those facing financial hardship. You’ll also learn how the Trust determines individual payouts, the official timeline, and long-term implications for survivors.
Current Payment Status: Where Things Stand in Late 2025
Distribution Statistics
As of December 2025, $295.5 million has been distributed, covering 36,896 survivors. A total of 49,551 claims have been determined or evaluated, with an average payment of $7,454 per recipient. Despite this, only about 50% of claimants have received any funds, highlighting the significant gap between approved awards and actual distributions.
The Two-Tier Payment System
The Trust uses a two-tier system to provide quicker assistance while managing a large volume of claims. Expedited Claims offer a $3,500 quick payment, which has already been distributed to approximately 6,000 survivors. Direct Abuse Claims involve higher-value claims that require more detailed evaluation. Initial payments for these claims are partial, typically 30–40% of the total claim value, with full payouts dependent on the availability of additional funding.
What Survivors Are Actually Receiving
Many survivors are informed they qualify for awards totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars—sometimes $668,000 or more. Currently, payments represent less than 2% of the total awarded amounts, largely because the total claims ($7+ billion) far exceed the available funds ($2.46 billion).
The Official 2026 Timeline: What’s Promised
Settlement Trust’s Statement
The Trust has stated it aims to resolve all claims by the end of 2026, with a second round of partial payments expected “soon.” Barbara Houser, the Settlement Trustee, emphasized that while claim evaluations will be completed, full payments may not occur within this period.
What “Resolve All Claims” Actually Means
“Resolve all claims” refers to completing evaluations and issuing determinations, not disbursing full payments. Final payout percentages depend on available funds, ongoing insurance litigation, and remaining appeals.
Critical Caveat
The timeline could be delayed if the Supreme Court accepts a petition or if insurance litigation extends further. According to the Trust, payments “almost certainly will not” equal full awarded amounts in 2026.
Why Payments Are Taking So Long: The Major Delays
Legal Challenges and Appeals
In May 2025, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the settlement. However, an en banc review petition has been filed, and a potential Supreme Court appeal could be decided by early 2026. Approximately $1.4–1.65 billion remains in escrow until all appeals are resolved, preventing the Trust from making second-round payments.
Insurance Company Battles
About 83–90 insurers have not settled, prompting ongoing lawsuits in the Texas Federal Court. These insurance disputes could unlock up to $4 billion in additional funds but may take years, directly affecting final payout percentages.
Sheer Volume and Complexity
With over 82,000 claims filed and 58,000 “Matrix claims” requiring thorough evaluation, nearly 20,000 claims are still under review. Each claim undergoes detailed verification based on abuse severity (4 tiers), frequency and duration of abuse, long-term psychological and physical impacts, geographic location and state law variations, and the quality of supporting evidence.
State Law Variations Affecting Payouts
Award amounts differ by state. For instance, the same abuse in New York could merit a $600,000 base award, while in Oklahoma or Kansas, the base is only $33,000. Laws like the Child Victims Act further impact payout amounts.
The Heartbreaking Human Cost
Demographics of Claimants
Approximately 33% of survivors are 65 or older, including more than 2,300 over the age of 80. Tragically, nearly 2,000 survivors have passed away while waiting for their settlements, underscoring the urgency and human cost of the delayed payments.
Financial Hardship Stories
Many survivors are living solely on Social Security, and attorneys report that 5–8% of their clients have passed away while waiting for payments. Survivors frequently describe the process as “a total nightmare,” having to relive traumatic experiences while awaiting closure and financial resolution.
Attorney Fees Adding to Frustration
Typical attorney fees range from 30–40% of settlements, which can significantly reduce the amount survivors receive. For example, a $3,500 expedited claim may result in only $2,100–$2,450 reaching the survivor after fees are deducted, adding to the financial frustration during an already difficult process.
What Determines Individual Payment Amounts
The Trust Distribution Procedures (TDP) Scoring System
Awards are determined using abuse severity tiers: Tier 1 (highest) covers rape or penetrative abuse with a base award of $600,000, Tier 2 covers contact abuse, Tier 3 non-contact abuse, and Tier 4 includes exposure or indirect harm. Enhancement factors—such as multiple perpetrators, longer duration of abuse, early age at onset, resulting addiction, hospitalization, or suicide attempts—can increase awards to as much as $2.7 million.
Reduction Factors
Payments may be reduced due to state law limitations, the absence of corroborating evidence, or a weak connection to BSA documentation, affecting the final award amounts for individual survivors.
Connection to Scouting Requirements
Claimants must prove they were registered scouts and that the abuser had a connection to BSA, using membership rosters, photos, or memorabilia. The Trust’s document repository assists in verification.
Step-by-Step: What Happens Next in 2026
Q1 2026 (January-March)
In the first quarter of 2026, a bankruptcy court hearing is scheduled for January 20. The Supreme Court is expected to set a deadline to accept or deny any appeal by February or March. If the appeals are denied, the $1.4 billion escrow will be released, allowing second-round partial payments to potentially begin.
Mid-2026 (April-June)
In mid-2026, the Trust will continue evaluations for the remaining claims while insurance litigation proceeds in the Texas Federal Court. Additionally, settlement negotiations with holdout insurers may take place during this period to secure additional funds for survivors.
Late 2026 (July-December)
By late 2026, the goal is to complete all claim determinations. During this period, the distribution of partial payments will continue, and the Trust will calculate final payment percentages based on total claim values, available trust funds, and the outcomes of insurance settlements.
Beyond 2026
Full payments are unlikely until ongoing insurance litigation concludes, which could extend into 2027–2028 or later. Meanwhile, Trust operations may continue for several more years to manage claims, distribute funds, and resolve any remaining issues.
How to Check Your Claim Status
Official Resources
For the latest updates, visit the Scouting Settlement Trust website. The claimant portal provides access to claim determinations, and monthly status reports are filed with the bankruptcy court for transparency.
Working With Your Attorney
Your legal team receives updates directly from the Trust. They will notify you when a determination is made, though specific payment dates cannot be guaranteed. Processing times vary widely.
What Information You Should Have
To track your claim efficiently, keep your claim number, the type of claim (Expedited vs Direct Abuse), the current determination status, and all relevant documentation readily available.
Options for Survivors Facing Financial Hardship
Pre-Settlement Funding
Survivors may access non-recourse loans to receive 20–50% of their expected net settlement in advance. These loans are repayable only if the settlement is received and typically require no credit check, providing financial relief while waiting for official payments.
Advance Payment Program (APP)
The Trust provides partial payments through the Advance Payment Program (APP) for eligible claims. These advances are deducted from the final settlement payments and require claimants to sign a release before receiving funds.
Important Considerations
Survivors should understand all fees, interest rates, and likely payout amounts before accepting any funding. It is crucial to consult with an attorney to avoid overextending financially and ensure that any pre-settlement funding aligns with expected settlement amounts.
What Could Speed Up or Delay 2026 Payments
Factors That Could Speed Up Payments
Payments could be expedited if the Supreme Court quickly denies appeals in early 2026, if insurance companies settle disputes, or if the Trust completes remaining claim evaluations efficiently. Additionally, the absence of further legal challenges would help accelerate distributions.
Factors That Could Delay Payments
Payments could be delayed if the Supreme Court accepts an appeal, if insurance litigation drags on, or if additional challenges are raised by claimants. Delays may also occur due to fraudulent claims being discovered or the complexity of evaluating each claim.
The Bigger Picture: What This Means Long-Term
Realistic Expectations
Survivors can realistically expect to receive 30–50% of their awarded amounts, though the final percentages will remain unknown until 2027 or later. The outcome of ongoing insurance litigation is the largest factor influencing these final payments.
Organizational Changes
The BSA rebranded as Scouting America in February 2025 and introduced stronger youth protection policies to prevent future abuse. The organization successfully emerged from bankruptcy in 2023, marking a significant step in its financial and operational restructuring.
Legal Precedent
This settlement is one of the largest in U.S. history, establishing important precedents for future institutional abuse cases. It also highlights the complex challenges inherent in mass tort bankruptcies, providing a framework for how similar large-scale claims may be handled in the future.
Final Thoughts
The official timeline shows that claim resolutions are expected by the end of 2026, but full payments will likely extend beyond that. Approximately $1.4 billion remains in escrow pending appeal outcomes, and ongoing insurance litigation will determine final payout amounts. Survivors are advised to stay in contact with their attorneys, monitor the Trust website for updates, and be patient while remaining prepared for continued delays. It is also important to seek counseling or support resources, such as RAINN, to navigate the emotional toll. Even with these delays, the settlement represents historic accountability and meaningful recognition of survivors’ experiences.
FAQs
1. Will I definitely get paid by the end of 2026?
You may receive a claim determination by the end of 2026, but full payment is unlikely.
2. What percentage of my awarded amount will I actually receive?
Unknown; depends on insurance litigation and total claim values.
3. Can I still file a claim in 2026?
Filing deadlines have passed for most claims; consult your attorney for exceptions.
4. What if I die before receiving payment?
Your estate or heirs are entitled to payment; notify your attorney immediately.
5. Why are some survivors getting paid more/faster than others?
Expedited claims vs Direct Abuse claims, severity, state laws, and documentation quality determine timing and amounts.
