What is this program about?

The U.S. Department of Justice administered a remission program for victims of sex trafficking who were advertised on Backpage or CityXGuide during specific timeframes. Eligible victims could request payments for documented monetary losses. The petition deadline has passed.

How much could victims get paid?

Payments are based on documented monetary losses such as medical and behavioral health costs, lost wages, and certain funeral expenses for estates. Pain and suffering and projected future income are not eligible.

What was the petition deadline?

Petitions had to be submitted online or by email by February 2, 2026, or postmarked by February 2, 2026 if filed by mail. That deadline has now passed. Questions about a pending petition should be directed to the Remission Administrator through the official website, BackpageRemission.com.

Was proof required to file a petition?

Yes. Petitioners were asked to provide supporting documents such as advertisements, emails, texts, medical or therapy records, and receipts — copies only, never originals.

Backpage DOJ Remission Program

Q: What is the Total Settlement Amount?

There is no fixed settlement fund. Payments come from forfeited assets related to Backpage and CityXGuide. Amounts depend on approved, documented losses.

Q: Who qualified for a payout?

Victims of sex trafficking who were advertised on Backpage between January 1, 2004 and April 6, 2018, or on CityXGuide between April 8, 2018 and June 19, 2020. Personal representatives could file for minors, incapacitated individuals, or deceased victims.

Q: When is the payment date?

Payment timing has not been announced. Payments are made after petitions are reviewed and verified by the Remission Administrator.

By Steve Levine

Photo Credit: Google | Published: October 2, 2025 · Updated: June 10, 2026

Status Program Closed

Petition Deadline February 2, 2026 (Passed)

Payout Varies based on documented monetary losses · paid from forfeited Backpage assets

Proof Required Yes documentation of eligibility and losses (copies only, never originals)

What Is This About?

The U.S. Department of Justice administered a remission program related to Backpage and CityXGuide. Authorities allege these sites were used to facilitate sex trafficking. Victims who were advertised on these websites during specific timeframes could petition for financial compensation for documented losses. The petition deadline of February 2, 2026 has now passed.

What is the Total Settlement Amount?

Eligible victims may receive remission payments from forfeited assets associated with Backpage or CityXGuide. The total settlement is estimated to be $215 million, although this is not yet clear from official documents — there is no fixed fund, and payments depend on approved, documented losses.

Who Qualified For a Payout?

Victims of sex trafficking qualified if they were advertised on:

• Backpage between January 1, 2004 and April 6, 2018
• CityXGuide between April 8, 2018 and June 19, 2020
• Personal representatives could file remission requests on behalf of minors, incapacitated individuals, or deceased victims.

How Much Can Victims Get Paid?

Payments are based on documented monetary losses, including medical expenses, behavioral health treatment, lost wages, and certain funeral expenses for estates. Non-economic harms like pain and suffering and projected future income are not eligible.

What Proof Was Required?

Petitioners were asked to provide copies of advertisements, emails, text messages, medical or therapy records, receipts, or other documentation supporting their losses — copies only, never original documents. Petitions were filed through the official program website, BackpageRemission.com.

What are the Important Dates?

• Backpage eligibility period: January 1, 2004 to April 6, 2018
• CityXGuide eligibility period: April 8, 2018 to June 19, 2020
• Petition deadline: February 2, 2026 (passed)

When is the Payment Date?

Payment timing has not been announced. Payments will be issued after petitions are reviewed and verified by the Remission Administrator. If you filed a petition before the deadline, watch for correspondence from the administrator and check the official website for status updates.

How is the Settlement Funded?

The DOJ remission program is funded by forfeited assets of Backpage and CityXGuide. Authority to grant remissions rests with the U.S. Attorney General, delegated to the Chief of the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) at DOJ. The remission process is governed by 28 C.F.R. Part 9.

What are Emergency Resources for Victims?

• Office on Violence Against Women (OVW)
• U.S. Department of Justice Announces Compensation Process
• National Human Trafficking Hotline

The Hotline connects survivors to emergency, transitional, or long-term services. The DOJ's Office for Victims of Crime and HHS's Office on Trafficking in Persons are also further resources for potential sex trafficking victims.

Sources

• Official Remission Website
• Office on Violence Against Women (OVW)
• Petition form instructions provided by the Remission Administrator

Filing Information

This page is for informational purposes. OpenClassActions.com is not the administrator or a law firm. For help with a pending petition, contact the Remission Administrator through the official website or consult an attorney.

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