The Boy Scouts of America is one of the most prominent organizations and has an estimated membership ranging between 1 million to 2.3 million people.
But like most prominent institutions, it had its share of problems, including sexual abuse cases dating back to when they first began accepting boys as members through 1991.
Below are the latest updates for the lawsuit based off our research and our partner attorneys.
More Than Five Years: The Complete Timeline of the Boy Scouts of America Case
February 2020: Bankruptcy Filing Amidst Avalanche of Claims
The Boy Scouts of America was facing nearly 300 abuse lawsuits when it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Delaware in February 2020, coming after several states passed laws allowing adults to file previously time-barred lawsuits against their childhood abusers and negligent institutions.
The 115-year-old nonprofit said it anticipated at least 1,700 abuse claims when it entered Chapter 11, but an aggressive blitz of law firm advertising and publicity brought an avalanche of claims, with the number of alleged victims topping more than 80,000 within a few months.
Over 82,000 Boy Scout claims for sexual abuse were filed in the bankruptcy case, making it one of the largest abuse scandals in U.S. history, with the organization’s internal records and court testimony revealing that more than 7,800 leaders sexually abused children over a 72-year period.
The scope of this tragedy is staggering. From 1944 through 2016, the Boy Scouts identified over 12,000 alleged victims of abuse. But these numbers likely represent only a fraction of those harmed, as sexual abuse of boys remains one of the least-reported crimes due to feelings of shame and the tactics abusers use during grooming.
2020-2022: Complex Negotiations and Mounting Costs
The bankruptcy case involved intricate negotiations with multiple parties: the Boy Scouts organization itself, hundreds of local councils, sponsoring organizations including churches, and numerous insurance companies.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), once the largest sponsor with over 400,000 Scouts, initially offered $250 million, but U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Laurie Selber Silverstein rejected this in July 2022 due to unresolved insurance disputes.
Meanile, The United Methodist Church agreed to contribute $30 million to a victim compensation fund, releasing congregations that chartered troops and packs from future legal responsibility related to BSA sexual abuse.
Major insurance companies eventually agreed to contribute substantial amounts: Hartford Financial Services Group contributed $787 million and Chubb Ltd. contributed $800 million, both among the organization’s major liability insurers.
September 8, 2022: Bankruptcy Judge Approves Settlement
Judge Silverstein approved the $2.46 billion Boy Scouts of America settlement on September 8, 2022, making it one of the largest sexual abuse settlements in U.S. history.
The settlement created the Scouting Settlement Trust with contributions from:
- The Boy Scouts of America organization
- Over 250 local councils (contributing at least $515 million)
- Major insurers, including Hartford and Chubb
- Sponsoring organizations, including churches
Local councils were required to contribute at least $515 million and have divested numerous properties, such as selling camps, art, land, and leases to fund their contributions.
April 2023: BSA Emerges From Bankruptcy
In April 2023, the BSA officially emerged from bankruptcy and announced it would begin distributing compensation from the court-approved Boy Scout Settlement Trust to more than 82,000 abuse survivors.
September 2023: First Payments Begin
Initial payments to 7,000 “quick pay” claimants opting for $3,500 began in September 2023.
Claimants opting for the $3,500 “quick pay” option retained approximately $2,100 to $2,450 after attorney fees, depending on their legal agreements, with contingency fees typically ranging from 33% to 40% of settlement awards.
These quick pay amounts represented a fraction of what many survivors would have received through full claims evaluation, but offered faster payment with less scrutiny for those willing to accept smaller compensation.
February 2024: Supreme Court Allows Settlement to Proceed
In February 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected an emergency request to halt the settlement, allowing payments to proceed while it considered the Purdue Pharma bankruptcy case involving similar legal issues.
The settlement faced opposition from approximately 144 survivors who argued that it unlawfully shielded non-bankrupt entities, such as local councils and churches, from future lawsuits.
This group of dissenting survivors sought to preserve their right to sue local scouting organizations and churches that chartered troops, as they believed the settlement didn’t hold all responsible parties accountable.
February 2024: Advance Payment Program Launched
In February 2024, the Scouting Settlement Trust announced it would accelerate partial payments to eligible claimants, many of whom were elderly and in poor health, with approximately 2,914 payments totaling more than $7.3 million already issued by that time.
The Advance Payment Program allowed eligible claimants to receive payments of $1,000 before their allowed claim amount was finally determined.
Judge Barbara Houser, the retired judge overseeing trust administration, explained: “We have been asked repeatedly by Survivors if we can distribute some money while the claims process is underway, and we have found a way.”
May 13, 2025: Third Circuit Upholds Settlement
On May 13, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit affirmed the bankruptcy court’s plan confirmation order, dismissing appeals filed by a group of sexual abuse survivors and holdout insurance companies.
Judge Marjorie Rendell stated that overturning the settlement would cause it to “implode,” disrupting compensation already flowing to survivors.
This decision was a crucial victory for survivors, representing a major step forward in finalizing the settlement structure. However, it didn’t end the appeals process or release the funds held in escrow.
June 2025: Costs Exceed Original Projections
In June 2025, the cost of compensating survivors had exceeded $7 billion, according to the Wall Street Journal, more than twice the amount originally estimated in the organization’s bankruptcy plan of up to $3.6 billion.
As of the end of May 2025, the settlement trust had distributed $164 million to 22,605 abuse survivors, with approximately 83 non-settling insurance carriers having been billed a total of $6.99 billion since September 2024, though no payments had been received from those insurers.
The gap between what survivors were promised and what funding is actually available continues to grow, with insurance companies disputing their obligations and refusing to pay billions in billed amounts.
Current Status: Ongoing Appeals Delay Full Payments
Since the May 2025 ruling, one of the appellants filed a petition for an en banc review requesting that all appellate judges for the Third Circuit reconsider the decision, and if denied, the appellants could file a writ of certiorari with the Supreme Court.
The Settlement Trustee has reviewed and made determinations on over 50% of filed claims, continuing to review claims and make determinations as the appeals process continues.
The reality is stark: while some progress has been made, tens of thousands of survivors remain in limbo, waiting for claim determinations and full payment distributions.
Now: The Extended Wait for Full Payment
As of late 2025, BSA survivors face a complex and uncertain payment timeline:
Only partial payments have been distributed so far. As of May 2025, over $164 million has been distributed to more than 22,000 survivors. Two years later, settlement trustee Barbara Houser has distributed just over $245 million among 31,000 people.
However, these represent only partial payments: often a tiny fraction of survivors’ total approved claims. Many were told they’re entitled to hundreds of thousands of dollars, but instead have been paid less than 2% of what they’re owed, amid legal appeals and fights with insurers.
$1.4 billion remains locked in escrow. Approximately $1.4 billion is being held in escrow until all appeals are exhausted and the plan confirmation order becomes a final order, meaning the Trust will not have the funds required for a second payment from the Trust until that time.
This represents more than half of the original $2.46 billion settlement amount. That’s money that cannot be distributed until every legal challenge is resolved.
Appeals could extend into late 2025 or 2026. Once the en banc court rules, it is still possible that a losing party may seek to have the decision further reviewed by the United States Supreme Court, meaning that funds necessary for a second distribution from the Trust to survivors with allowed claims will remain in escrow until all appeals are exhausted.
Those escrow funds will remain out of reach until at least mid-October, when time runs out for the objecting survivors to appeal to the US Supreme Court.
Tens of thousands of claims still await evaluation. Two years after the trust’s launch, it has sent money to fewer than half of the roughly 60,000 men who claimed they were abused as scouts, with thousands of claims still awaiting review.
Nearly 20,000 BSA claims still have to be reviewed.
Insurance litigation adds years of uncertainty. There are approximately 83 insurers that have not yet settled their insurance policies, and the Settlement Trustee has brought an action against these non-settling insurers in the Texas Federal Court seeking payment.
The value of the Trust’s rights under those insurance policies could be several billion dollars, but this insurance coverage litigation is extraordinarily complex, and unless it is able to be settled on reasonable terms, it could take years to litigate to a final conclusion.
Survivors won’t receive 100% of valued claims. The Trust does not know how much claimants will receive on allowed claims, but it almost certainly will not be 100%.
With total liabilities now estimated at over $7 billion against a settlement fund originally valued at $2.46 billion, the shortfall is substantial. Survivors will receive only a percentage of their approved claim values, but no one knows yet what that percentage will be.
What This Timeline Means for Survivors Right Now
You’ve waited since February 2020, when the Boy Scouts filed for bankruptcy. That’s over five years of participating in legal proceedings, submitting detailed documentation of your abuse, and living with the trauma of having your experiences become part of public court records.
Survivors have described the process as emotionally taxing, requiring a detailed recounting of their abuse for evaluation, often reopening old wounds.
The emotional toll is compounded by financial pressure and the uncertainty of when full payments will arrive.
More than 2,000 claimants are older than 80, and nearly as many have died waiting for closure.
For elderly survivors, every month of delay carries profound significance. Some will never see the justice they fought for.
Even with some initial payments distributed, the reality is sobering. Most survivors have received only a tiny fraction of their approved claims, and full payments won’t be made until appeals are exhausted, the $1.4 billion escrow is released, and insurance litigation concludes, which may not happen until late 2026 or beyond.
During this extended waiting period, your financial needs don’t pause.
The Financial Reality of Waiting for Payment
Therapy costs continue accumulating. The trauma of childhood sexual abuse requires ongoing mental health treatment. Many survivors need regular therapy sessions, specialized trauma counseling, or psychiatric care to process what happened decades ago and manage the re-traumatization of the legal process.
After over five years of bankruptcy proceedings, detailed recounting of abuse, and the stress of watching other survivors die waiting, consistent mental health care isn’t optional; it’s essential. But therapy costs money that must be paid now, not in 2026.
Medical expenses mount beyond mental health care. Many survivors face physical health consequences from their abuse or from the stress of over five years of bankruptcy proceedings and claims evaluation. Chronic conditions, medications, and specialist appointments—all require current payment.
Housing payments don’t wait for escrow release. Rent or mortgage payments come due every month, regardless of when appeals are finally exhausted and the escrow funds are released. Falling behind creates housing instability that persists even after settlement money eventually arrives.
Daily living expenses continue relentlessly. Utilities, groceries, transportation, insurance premiums, and other necessities require cash flow during the waiting period. These aren’t luxuries. They’re survival expenses that can’t be deferred until 2026.
Attorney fees will significantly reduce final payments. Many survivors hired private attorneys to navigate the bankruptcy proceedings, with contingency fees typically ranging from 33% to 40% of their settlement awards, reducing their net compensation.
If you’re awaiting a $50,000 claim determination, your actual payment after attorney fees may be only $30,000-$33,500. And with survivors not receiving 100% of claim values, the exact amount could be even less.
Credit card debt compounds while waiting. If you’ve been using credit cards to survive during the five-plus years of bankruptcy proceedings, interest charges have been compounding month after month. At 20-30% annual interest rates, thousands of dollars in debt can accumulate—debt that will consume your settlement when it finally arrives.
The elderly face a particularly cruel reality. More than 2,000 claimants are older than 80, and nearly as many have died waiting for closure.
For survivors in their 70s, 80s, and beyond, each additional month of delay isn’t just financially painful. It may mean the difference between receiving compensation during their lifetime or leaving it as an estate matter.
Some will never see their settlement payments. They’ll die waiting, just like Oscar Onadia from the Rikers case, who fought for justice but passed away before seeing a resolution.
Financial crisis undermines healing. After decades of carrying the trauma of childhood sexual abuse, survivors deserve the opportunity to focus on healing. But financial desperation, choosing between therapy and groceries, between medication and rent, creates ongoing stress that makes healing impossible.
The settlement is meant to provide resources for recovery and rebuilding. However, if most of the money is spent paying off debt accumulated during the waiting period, the settlement fails to achieve its purpose.
4 Frequently Asked Questions and Answers On How You Can Move Forward
Can You Still Make Your Claim Against The Boy Scouts of America?
The Boy Scouts of America filed for bankruptcy to start the process by setting up a trust that will be set up to compensate all the victims.
The United States Bankruptcy Court in the Delaware District has set a deadline for victims to file claims against Boy Scouts. Unfortunately, the 5 pm eastern on November 16, 2020, has come and passed. As a result, it’s too late to file the claim against the Boy Scouts of America in their Chapter 11 Bankruptcy case. However, you can hire local counsel and petition the Court for an exemption with a good enough explanation to sway them to accept your petition.
What’s the voting process for the settlement in the ongoing Boy Scout lawsuit process?
If you filed a claim yourself, the BSA and its agents have your current address. Then, the documents will reach you to vote on any plans they send over. But, again, it is best to work with your lawyer and consult before deciding how to vote.
The vote is not just about you – the Torts Claimants’ Committee controls a significant block of votes. So even if your plan gets approved, it can still fail with their opposition, and they’ll have more power to shape legislation moving forward.
How Long Will This Process Take?
The Boy Scout of America has negotiated with various parties to ensure that victims are compensated as soon and reasonably possible. However, there is no specific timetable for when these negotiations will be finished, though it’s expected they’ll continue until all the involved groups can agree on what should happen next- which might take some time.
The Boy Scouts of America has a tough decision about whether or not it should continue with its traditional program. The main issue for the organization comes down to what assets are used, how much insurance coverage applies and if any indemnity is paid between BSA’s national office to keep local councils afloat while they figure this out.
Can You File A Case Against Other Entities?
Yes, you can pursue claims against the BSA. As of now, a bankruptcy filing does not affect your options for pursuing legal action against local councils and sponsoring organizations and other individuals, including abusers themselves. However, lawsuits must be filed due to applicable state statute limitations on time frames. Consult with an experienced lawyer to understand the details about possible outcomes.
The statute of limitations for child abuse is different in every state and will depend on your age when it happened. Additionally, some states are drafting legislation to revive barred or expired cases if the victim was a minor when they were victimized.
Final Thoughts
It’s a long and windy road for the Boy Scouts of America, but it looks like they’re finally coming to an end. If you’ve had any run-ins with this organization that led your child or yourself to be sexually abused or molested, now is your chance to come forward and get justice. Unfortunately, the process is complicated because multiple entities are involved in the settlement claim.
Direct Legal Funding offers loans specifically designed for court cases like yours, where repayment won’t start until after trial results are finalized and awarded compensation. We can help you with lawsuit loans to keep you moving towards the final justice against the terrible acts.
Contact Direct Legal Funding Now
Call us at 866-941-5588
Representatives are available to discuss your situation confidentially. There’s no pressure, no obligation, and no cost for the initial consultation.
We’ll answer your questions honestly. We’ll explain exactly how funding works. We’ll help you understand whether pre-settlement funding makes sense for your specific circumstances, your claim value, your timeline, and your financial needs.
If funding isn’t right for you, we’ll tell you. If it makes sense, we’ll move quickly to help.
