2026 Roundup Settlement Explained: Who Is Eligible and How the Opt-Out Process Works
A federal judge has given initial approval to a proposed nationwide Roundup settlement that could resolve thousands of claims that the weed killer caused non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).
Agrochemical maker Bayer and lawyers for people who say Roundup exposure caused their cancer have agreed to a settlement that could reach $7.25 billion.
The settlement is designed to compensate people who developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma after using Roundup. It also creates a process for those who may be diagnosed in the future.
Who Is Included in the Settlement
According to the official settlement website, you are included in the class if:
- You were living in the U.S. on March 4, 2026, regardless of citizenship.
- You had contact with Roundup, or another qualifying product, in the U.S. before Feb. 17, 2026.
- Your exposure happened because you applied the products yourself, purchased or paid for the products or their application, participated in, directed, or saw the application of the products, or otherwise had reason to know you were exposed.
Because the agreement is structured as a class settlement, people who meet the eligibility criteria are automatically included unless they take steps to opt out.
This means anyone in the United States who used Roundup or certain similar weed-killer products during the covered time period may be considered part of the settlement, even if they have never filed a lawsuit and even if they have not developed cancer.
However, only people who were diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma by March 4, 2026, are currently eligible to submit a claim for compensation through the settlement program.
People who used the products but have not developed cancer are still included in the class and will be eligible to file a settlement claim if they develop cancer in the future, unless they formally opt out.
How Much Money Can You Get From the Roundup Settlement
The proposed settlement is divided into tiers based on factors such as age at diagnosis, NHL type, and whether the exposures were occupational or residential.
The settlement proposal estimates awards ranging from $6,000 to more than $165,000.
You can expect to receive higher compensation if you worked with or around Roundup in an occupational capacity than if you used the products at home.
Roundup Settlement Amounts and Criteria
| HOW YOU WERE EXPOSED | AGE AT DIAGNOSIS | CANCER TYPE | AVERAGE AWARD | QUICK-PAY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Occupational | Under 60 | Aggressive | $165,000 | N/A |
| Occupational | 60 to 77 | Aggressive | $105,000 | N/A |
| Occupational | Under 60 | Indolent | $85,000 | N/A |
| Occupational | 60 to 77 | Indolent | $60,000 | N/A |
| Residential | Under 60 | Aggressive | $40,000 | $14,500 |
| Residential | 60 to 77 | Aggressive | $30,000 | $11,000 |
| Residential | Under 60 | Indolent | $25,000 | $10,500 |
| Residential | 60 to 77 | Indolent | $20,000 | $7,700 |
| Any | 78 or Older | Any | $10,000 | $6,000 |
What Happens If You Do Nothing
If you meet the qualifications and take no action, you remain in the settlement class by default.
People who stay in the settlement class will be bound by its terms and must follow the settlement’s claims process if they are diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the future.
In other words, individuals who remain in the class may lose the ability to file their own lawsuit against Bayer later and instead would need to seek compensation through the settlement program if they are diagnosed in the future.
The Opt-Out Option
People who do not want to be included in the settlement can choose to opt out.
Opting out allows people to file their own lawsuit against Bayer instead of accepting the class settlement terms. The opt-out process requires specific documents and steps to officially leave the class.
The settlement website provides instructions on how to opt out, submit a claim, or object to the settlement if you disagree with its terms.
A final fairness hearing is expected later this year, at which the court will decide whether to grant final approval to the settlement. If too many plaintiffs opt out, Bayer has the right to cancel the proposed settlement.
Why the Decision Is Complicated
The proposed settlement has sparked debate among lawyers representing Roundup plaintiffs because it tries to resolve claims from people already diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma as well as those who may develop the disease in the future.
Critics say the settlement could limit legal options for people who have used Roundup but have not yet been diagnosed with cancer. Since eligible people are automatically included unless they opt out, some lawyers worry that many may not realize their rights could be affected.
Another controversy is whether state failure-to-warn lawsuits about Roundup should be allowed to continue. Bayer has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to decide if federal pesticide law overrides those claims, which could affect thousands of cases.
The timing of the settlement, along with the ongoing legal fight over federal preemption, has led many plaintiffs’ lawyers to advise their clients to carefully consider whether to stay in the settlement.
If you already have a lawyer, it is important to talk with them about the settlement and how it affects your legal rights before deciding whether to stay in or opt out.
There Is Still Time to File a Claim
There is still time to file a claim if you were exposed to Roundup and later developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
The deadline to opt out of the settlement is June 4, 2026, and the final approval hearing is scheduled for July 9, 2026.
If you think you may qualify for the settlement, it is important to speak with a lawyer right away to discuss your options. You can request a free case evaluation to see if you qualify.
