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Diocese of Buffalo Bankruptcy: The $326 Million Settlement and Survivor Vote

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The Diocese of Buffalo filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on February 28, 2020, after hundreds of lawsuits under New York’s Child Victims Act. In 2026 it reached a $326 million settlement: $150 million from the diocese and affiliated Catholic entities and $176 million from insurers. Nearly 900 survivors are voting on the plan, with a confirmation hearing expected in October 2026.

Facts checked September 18, 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.

The Buffalo settlement

The settlement was announced in summer 2026. The diocese and affiliated Catholic entities, including parishes, will contribute $150 million, and the diocese’s insurers $176 million. In late August 2026 Judge Bucki finalised the amended settlement documents so that ballots could go to survivors.

Survivors have about 60 days to return their ballots. If the plan is approved and confirmed, payments are expected to begin in early 2027, according to survivors’ lawyers quoted in local reporting.

What this means if you were abused in the Diocese of Buffalo

If you filed a Child Victims Act lawsuit or a claim in the bankruptcy, you are a creditor and should have received a ballot. Your vote counts toward whether the plan is approved.

How much each survivor receives will depend on the plan’s scoring rules. Read your ballot package carefully, or have a lawyer review it with you, before voting.

Diocese of Buffalo bankruptcy at a glance

DebtorThe Diocese of Buffalo, N.Y.
CourtU.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of New York
Case number1-20-10322
JudgeCarl L. Bucki
FiledFebruary 28, 2020
SurvivorsNearly 900
Settlement$326 million ($150 million diocese and affiliates; $176 million insurers)
Status (September 18, 2026)Ballots sent to survivors in early September 2026; confirmation hearing expected October 2026
State Law Notice: Laws governing civil claims for religious institution abuse vary significantly by state. Filing deadlines, lookback windows, and available defendants differ depending on where the abuse occurred and your current state of residence. The information on this page is general in nature. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon without first speaking to a qualified attorney about your specific circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the Buffalo diocese settlement?
The settlement totals $326 million: $150 million from the diocese and affiliated Catholic entities and $176 million from insurers. Some reports have printed the total as $362 million, but the components add up to $326 million.
When will Buffalo diocese abuse survivors be paid?
Not until the court confirms the plan. Ballots went out in September 2026, a confirmation hearing is expected in October 2026, and survivors’ lawyers have said payments could begin in early 2027.
Do I get to vote on the Buffalo diocese settlement?
Yes, if you filed a Child Victims Act claim or a claim in the bankruptcy. You are a creditor in the case, and the plan cannot be confirmed without the required creditor support.
Where can I see the Buffalo diocese bankruptcy docket?
The diocese posts key filings on its website, and the full docket for case 1-20-10322 is available through the Western District of New York bankruptcy court.
Can I still file a claim in the Buffalo diocese bankruptcy if I missed the deadline?
Possibly, but it is difficult. Courts allow late claims only in limited circumstances, and some plans set aside a process for survivors who come forward later. Get advice quickly, because every month can matter.
Do I need a lawyer to file a claim in the Buffalo diocese bankruptcy?
You are not required to have one, but claims are scored and paid under detailed plan rules, and the information you give affects the amount you receive. A lawyer can prepare your claim, explain your options and represent you if the claim is challenged. Our case reviews are free and confidential.

See all frequently asked questions

Related pages

Sources

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