What is this program about?

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

Is there a fixed settlement fund?

There is no fixed fund. Payments come from forfeited assets related to Backpage. Award amounts depend on approved, documented losses.

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

How much could survivors 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.

What are the important eligibility dates?

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

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

CityXGuide DOJ Remission Program

Q: When are payments issued?

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

By Steve Levine

CityXGuide and Backpage Remission Program

Photo Credit: Google | Published: October 17, 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 to support survivors who were advertised on CityXGuide or Backpage during certain years. Through this program, survivors could request compensation for documented financial losses linked to trafficking. While both sites are covered, CityXGuide is emphasized here because it stayed active after Backpage was shut down, giving survivors a better chance of having recent records to support their petitions. The petition deadline of February 2, 2026 has now passed.

In addition to the DOJ program, separate individual lawsuits are still moving forward, which means survivors may have multiple legal paths to pursue compensation and accountability.

Is There a Total Settlement Amount?

There is no fixed settlement fund. Approved payments are made from forfeited assets. Public reporting has referenced figures near $215 million related to Backpage forfeitures, however payment totals depend on approvals and documented losses reviewed by the Remission Administrator.

Who Qualified?

Survivors of sex trafficking qualified if they were advertised on:

• CityXGuide between April 8, 2018 and June 19, 2020
• Backpage between January 1, 2004 and April 6, 2018

Personal representatives could file petitions for minors, incapacitated individuals, or deceased survivors.

How Much Can Survivors 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, employment or wage records, estate documents for deceased survivors, receipts, or other documentation supporting their losses — copies only, never original documents. Petitions were filed through the official program website, BackpageRemission.com.

Important Dates

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

When are Payments Issued?

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 Program Funded?

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

What are Emergency Resources for Survivors?

• 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 Office for Victims of Crime and HHS Office on Trafficking in Persons also offer further resources for survivors.

Sources

• Official Remission Website
• U.S. Department of Justice press release
• 28 C.F.R. Part 9 text (Cornell LII)
• New York Times report on the shutdown of CityXGuide
• 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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