If you lived at Allen Benedict Court in Columbia, South Carolina, on January 17-18, 2019, during the emergency evacuation, you may be eligible for a cash payout through the Columbia Housing Authority settlement.
The Housing Authority of the City of Columbia agreed to pay $1 million to settle a class action lawsuit claiming unsafe living conditions at Allen Benedict Court. The lawsuit stated the housing authority failed to maintain appliances and equipment, creating hazardous conditions that forced an emergency evacuation of all residents in January 2019.
Who is Eligible for the Columbia Housing Authority Settlement?
You may participate in the settlement if you meet one of the following:
- Named plaintiffs in the Basinger or Montgomery cases: These individuals are automatically included and do not need to submit a claim form to receive a payout.
- Tenants or household members at Allen Benedict Court as of January 17-18, 2019:
- Must be listed on a written lease.
- Must submit a claim form unless already named plaintiffs in the Basinger or Montgomery cases.
Excluded from the settlement:
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How Much Can You Receive?
The settlement fund of $1 million will be divided among all eligible claimants—adults and minors—after deductions for:
- Attorneys’ fees: Up to $250,000
- Litigation costs
- Claims administration
- Service awards to class representatives: $2,500 each ($5,000 total)
The remaining balance will be distributed equally to eligible claimants.
How to File a Claim
If you are not already a named plaintiff, you must submit a claim form to receive payment. Steps include:
- Download and complete the PDF claim form.
- Mail the completed form to the settlement administrator:
Mailing address:
Basinger v. Columbia Housing Authority
c/o CPT Group Inc.
50 Corporate Park
Irvine, CA 92606-5105
Claim form must be postmarked by: September 1, 2026
Information Required for the Claim
Claimants must provide:
- Full name and apartment number at Allen Benedict Court (January 2019)
- Current mailing address, phone number, and email
- Names and birthdates of any minors listed on the lease at the time
- Attestation that they were tenants or household members and have not previously settled claims
If records are incomplete, additional proof may be required, such as:
- Written lease
- Identification
- Other documents showing residence during the relevant period
Settlement Payout Options
Approved claimants will receive payments from the remaining settlement balance. Payments are typically distributed approximately 120 days after the court grants final approval of the settlement.
- Claim form deadline: September 1, 2026
- Opt-out deadline: September 1, 2026
- Final fairness approval hearing: After November 15, 2026
The lawsuit claimed the Housing Authority of the City of Columbia failed to maintain safe living conditions at Allen Benedict Court, including gas-operated appliances and furnaces. Plaintiffs reported hazardous conditions, economic losses, and disruption from the evacuation. While the housing authority denies liability, it agreed to settle to avoid further litigation costs and risks.
