Costco is giving out one-time payments from $2 million Kirkland settlement – but you need to fill out a claim form

SHOPPERS can get up to $55 from a major settlement by Costco.

The members-only wholesaler has settled claims that its flushable wipes are not actually flushable.

The claims surround Costco’s store brand, Kirkland.

Plaintiffs alleged Kirkland’s wipes were not flushable and safe for sewer or septic systems.

While the brand denies wrongdoing, it settled — avoiding the costs of more litigation.

However, not everyone will qualify for a payout.

Those who file claims must do so by August 9.

WHO QUALIFIES?

Anyone who bought Kirkland Signature Moist Flushable Wipes at Costco in New York State may qualify.

But you must have bought the item between July 1, 2011 and May 31, 2017.

If you did, you qualify for a payout.

If you’re still a Costco member, you don’t need to file a claim.

If you were a Costco member previously and bought a qualifying product, but have since canceled or let your Costco membership lapse, you will need to file a claim for cash.

You can get $1.30 for each product — though all customers who receive payouts will get at least $7.50.

But a maximum amount of $55.90 will be paid out to each household.

If too many people file claims, the rate could be reduced as the maximum amount Costco will pay out is $2 million.

More information is available on the settlement website.

What's a class-action settlement?

Class action lawsuits offer groups of people, or 'classes,' a way to band together in court.

These suits are often brought by one or a few people who allege a company or other entity has wronged a large group of people.

When a suit becomes a class action, it extends to all "class members," or people who may have similar complaints to those who filed the suit.

Companies often settle class actions - offering payment to class members who typically waive their right to pursue further legal action by accepting money.

These payout agreements frequently include statements by the defendant denying wrongdoing. Companies tend to settle class actions to avoid the costs of further litigation.

Pollution, discrimination, or false advertising are a few examples of what can land a class action on a company's doorstep.

This isn't the first time that debates over the meaning of "flushable" have caused class actions.

DUDE Wipes faced a similar settlement last year.

Class action lawsuits allow large groups of people to right alleged wrongs or receive compensation for damages.

Visa and Mastercard are set to pay out $5.6 billion over alleged antitrust violations.

The companies’ fees landed them in hot water.

Data breaches are a common source of class action settlements.

See if you qualify for payment from a $825,000 data breach settlement.

A recent settlement involving a “fire” settlement is set to provide a substantial payout of $94.5 million to Americans affected by the case.

In addition to this significant payout, there is also a separate opportunity for individuals to claim funds from a $2.25 million health data settlement.