It’s a payout that could put some extra grocery money back into the wallets of Walmart shoppers across the United States and Puerto Rico. The retail giant has agreed to a $45 million settlement to resolve allegations that it engaged in deceptive business practices when it came to the pricing and labeling of certain food products.

The class-action lawsuit, filed in 2022 (PDF), accused Walmart of overcharging customers for “weighted goods” like meat, poultry, pork, seafood, and bagged citrus fruits. Specifically, the plaintiffs claimed that Walmart falsely inflated the weights of these items, mislabeled the weights of bagged produce, and overcharged for clearance products sold by weight – essentially forcing shoppers to pay more than the advertised price.

Walmart has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In a statement, a company spokesperson said, “We still deny the allegations, however, we believe a settlement is in the best interest of both parties.” Nonetheless, the $45 million agreement could mean cash payouts for millions of eligible customers.

Who qualifies and how much could they get?

The settlement covers anyone who purchased the specified “weighted goods” or bagged citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit, and tangerines in person at Walmart locations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico between October 19, 2018, and January 19, 2024.

The amount each person receives will depend on a few factors: how many eligible products they bought, whether they have proof of purchase (i.e. receipts), and how many total claims are filed.

Those with receipts can receive 2% of the total cost of their weighted goods and bagged citrus purchases during that period, up to a maximum of $500 per person. For those without receipts, the payout ranges from $10 to $25 based on the number of products they estimate buying.

The next steps and payout timeline

Eligible customers have until May 22 to exclude themselves from the settlement, object to its terms, or submit comments. The claim filing deadline is June 5, with submissions accepted online or by mail.

On June 12, a federal court in Tampa, Florida will hold a final approval hearing for the settlement. Barring any appeals, the settlement administrator will begin processing payments after that hearing.

However, the website cautions that it “may take several months” for the money to actually reach customers’ accounts. Payments will be delivered electronically via Venmo, Zelle, direct bank transfers, or virtual prepaid debit cards, though paper checks can also be requested.

While the settlement provides some financial restitution for shoppers, it also brings an end to years of litigation between Walmart and the plaintiffs over the pricing allegations.

The retailer maintains its stance that it did nothing improper, but the $45 million payout suggests a willingness to move past the controversy and restore trust with its customer base. For those who frequented Walmart stores during the specified period, it could mean a welcome boost to their grocery budgets in the months ahead.