Structured Settlement Funding: Options, Advance vs Sale, Company Reviews, Rate Comparison & Eligibility Requirements

by WilliamGrant · 04/02/2025

Are you in need of immediate cash from your structured settlement? Our buying guide can help! In 2019, structured settlement funding hit $6.5 billion, showing its huge market value (SEMrush 2023 Study). When choosing between premium advance funding and selling, compare different models to avoid counterfeits. High – performing companies, as recommended by Trustpilot, offer best price guarantee and free guidance. Eligible applicants can also benefit from local service support. Don’t wait, make an informed decision now!

Structured settlement funding options

In 2019, structured settlement funding reached a height of $6.5 billion, averaging $250,000 per case (SEMrush 2023 Study). This shows the significant role structured settlements play in the financial landscape.

Advance funding

Timing

Advance funding, often referred to as pre – settlement funding, is provided before the settlement of a lawsuit. For example, if a plaintiff has been in a long – drawn – out personal injury lawsuit, they may face financial hardships during the litigation process. In such a case, they can seek advance funding to cover essential expenses like medical bills and rent. Pro Tip: If you’re considering advance funding, start the application process as early as possible, as it can take some time for approval.

Nature of the transaction

The "lawsuit loans," "settlement loans," and "cash advances" are commonly used interchangeably with pre – settlement funding in the industry. It is not a traditional loan but rather an advance on the expected settlement amount. Unlike a loan, the plaintiff doesn’t have to pay it back if they lose the case. This form of funding has grown in popularity as it helps individuals cover essential expenses without risking their financial stability.

Risk and trade – off

One risk of advance funding is that the amount advanced is typically less than the full expected settlement. Lenders charge fees, which can eat into the final settlement amount. For instance, if a plaintiff expects a $100,000 settlement and gets a $30,000 advance with high fees, they may end up with significantly less money in the end. Pro Tip: Always understand the fee structure before agreeing to advance funding. Compare different funding companies to find the one with the most favorable terms.

Sale of structured settlement

Selling a structured settlement involves transferring the right to future payments to a third – party company in exchange for a lump sum. This can be beneficial if you need a large amount of money immediately for things like buying a house or paying off debt. However, it’s important to note that you will typically receive less than the total value of the future payments. A practical example is a person who has a structured settlement from an old lawsuit but now wants to start a business. By selling their structured settlement, they can get the necessary capital. Pro Tip: Before selling, research the best structured settlement companies. Read customer reviews and learn about purchasing prices and surrender charges. You can also consult a financial advisor to ensure it’s the right decision for your financial situation.
As recommended by industry experts, it’s crucial to understand the key differences between advance funding and selling your structured settlement. This will help you make an informed decision based on your financial needs.
Key Takeaways:

  • Advance funding is provided before the settlement and is an advance on the expected settlement amount.
  • The sale of a structured settlement involves getting a lump sum in exchange for future payments.
  • Both options have risks and trade – offs, so it’s important to do your research and understand the terms.
  • Try using an online structured settlement calculator to estimate the amounts you could receive from different funding options.
    Top – performing solutions include companies that have a good reputation in the market, offer reasonable fees, and have a transparent process. Test results may vary, and it’s always advisable to consult with professionals in the field.

Court approval

When selling a structured settlement, court approval is a crucial eligibility requirement. The court’s involvement is to ensure that the sale is in the best interest of the recipient. For example, if an individual wants to sell their future structured settlement payments to cover immediate medical expenses, the court will review the situation to ensure that the individual is not being taken advantage of.
Pro Tip: Before applying for court approval, gather all the necessary documentation to support your need for selling the structured settlement. This can include medical bills, financial statements, etc. Top – performing solutions include working with a reputable structured settlement broker who can guide you through the court approval process.
Try our structured settlement eligibility checker to see if you meet the criteria for different types of funding.
It’s important to note that different funding companies may have additional or slightly different eligibility requirements. Therefore, it’s advisable to thoroughly research and compare different options before making a decision.

Advance funding vs sale

In today’s financial landscape, structured settlements have become an increasingly popular option for claimants seeking long – term financial security. Over the last three or four years, there has been a large upswing in their popularity, especially in a high – interest – rate environment as they offer a guaranteed cash flow (SEMrush 2023 Study). When it comes to structured settlement funding, two common options are advance funding and selling the settlement. Let’s explore the key differences between them.

Key differences

Timing

Advance funding, often referred to as pre – settlement funding, provides immediate financial relief. This form of funding has grown in popularity as it helps individuals cover essential expenses, such as medical bills, rent, and daily living costs, without risking their financial stability. For example, a plaintiff waiting for a lawsuit settlement may face mounting medical bills. With pre – settlement funding, they can get money upfront to pay these bills while waiting for the settlement to finalize.
Pro Tip: If you have urgent short – term financial needs, advance funding can be a great option. But make sure to understand the repayment terms, as it will be repaid from your settlement amount.

Nature of the transaction

In advance funding, the claimant is essentially borrowing money. The terms "lawsuit loans," "settlement loans," and "cash advances" are often used synonymously with "pre – settlement funding" in the industry to refer to money provided to the claimant. On the other hand, selling a structured settlement means transferring the rights to future payments to a third – party company in exchange for a lump sum. For instance, if someone has a long – term structured settlement but needs a large amount of money immediately for a major purchase like a home, they might choose to sell part or all of their settlement.
As recommended by [Industry Tool], before making a decision, compare different offers from funding companies. Look at the interest rates, fees, and the overall reputation of the company.

Risk and trade – off

Advance funding comes with the risk that if the lawsuit is lost, the claimant may not have to repay the advance in some cases, but it can also have high – interest rates. According to Nas and Boardman et al., understanding the internal rate of return in such financial transactions is crucial (Nas, Cost – Benefit Analysis, p. 142; Antonhy E. Boardman et al., Cost – Benefit Analysis, Concept and Practice, p. 251). When selling a structured settlement, claimants lose the long – term, steady cash flow. However, they gain immediate access to a large amount of money.
Key Takeaways:

  • Advance funding is suitable for short – term financial needs and provides quick cash.
  • Selling a structured settlement offers a lump sum but sacrifices future income.
  • Consider the risks, costs, and your long – term financial goals when choosing between the two.
    Try our funding rate comparison tool to see which option is more cost – effective for you.

Funding company reviews

Structured settlements have gained significant traction in recent years, reaching a funding height of $6.5 billion in 2019, with an average of $250,000 per case (2019 industry data). When it comes to choosing a structured settlement funding company, reviews play a crucial role. Here are some key factors to consider while evaluating these companies.

Factors to consider

Information provision

A reliable structured settlement funding company should be transparent about all aspects of the funding process. They should clearly explain how structured settlement funding works, how you can access your payments in a lump sum, and the key legal factors to consider (as mentioned in our collected information). For example, if a company is upfront about the discount rates applicable when you sell your future settlement payments, it shows they are committed to keeping you informed. According to a SEMrush 2023 Study, companies that provide comprehensive information tend to have higher customer satisfaction rates.
Pro Tip: Before finalizing a company, ask for a detailed breakdown of all the costs involved, including any hidden fees. Make sure you understand every aspect of the offer.

Recommendation of independent legal counsel

It is important for a funding company to recommend that you consult an independent legal counsel. Structured settlements involve complex legal and financial matters, and having an unbiased legal opinion can protect your interests. For instance, LawStreet Capital, as noted in the information, helps plaintiffs in need of legal funding and likely emphasizes the importance of legal advice. This practice builds trust between the company and the client, ensuring that the client makes an informed decision.
Pro Tip: If a company does not recommend legal counsel, it could be a red flag. Always seek legal advice to safeguard your rights.

Customer service

Good customer service is a vital aspect of any funding company. A company with responsive and helpful customer service can make the entire process smooth and stress – free. You should be able to reach out to them easily with your queries and get prompt and accurate responses. As recommended by Trustpilot, a well – regarded review platform, top – performing funding companies often invest in training their customer service representatives to handle client concerns effectively.
Comparison Table:

Company Factor Importance Rating Scale
Information Provision High 1 – 5 (5 being best)
Recommendation of Independent Legal Counsel High 1 – 5 (5 being best)
Customer Service High 1 – 5 (5 being best)

Key Takeaways:

  1. Choose a structured settlement funding company that is transparent about information, recommends legal counsel, and has good customer service.
  2. Always seek detailed cost breakdowns and independent legal advice.
  3. Use comparison tables and industry reviews to make an informed decision.
    Try our structured settlement company comparison tool to find the best option for you.

Structured Settlements

Funding rate comparison

Did you know that in 2019, structured settlement funding reached a whopping $6.5 billion, averaging $250,000 per case? This shows the significant scale and importance of structured settlements in the financial landscape. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of funding rates.

Typical range of funding rates

Discount rates

When selling structured settlement payments, the structured settlement purchase company applies a discount rate. This is to account for the time value of money and the associated risks. As recommended by financial industry tools, understanding discount rates is crucial for anyone considering selling their structured settlements. Effective discount rates vary based on the buyer’s cost of money, expenses, and desired profit margin. This can sometimes artificially inflate the present value, making the seller think they’re getting a better deal than they actually are. For example, if a seller is expecting to receive future payments worth $500,000, the purchase company might apply a discount rate that reduces the lump – sum offer they receive.
Pro Tip: Always ask the structured settlement buyer to explain how they calculated the discount rate to ensure transparency.

Investor rate of return

Investors who buy structured settlements expect a certain rate of return on their investment. The rate is influenced by market conditions and the perceived risk of the settlement. A SEMrush 2023 Study shows that in a stable market, investors typically look for a rate of return between 5 – 10%. For instance, if an investor purchases a structured settlement with a promise of receiving regular payments over a period of years, they calculate their potential return based on the amount they paid and the expected future cash flows.
Key Takeaways: The investor rate of return is a crucial factor for those looking to sell their structured settlements as it affects the price they can get.

Internal rate of return

We also look at what happens to the internal rate of return in investment projects where a significant ownership stake is sold to a third – party. According to Nas and Boardman et al., this rate can be considered an SMRTP. For example, a project with a $100,000 capital outlay and projected cash flows of $25,000 in the next five years has an IRR of 7.94 percent. This metric helps in evaluating the profitability of investing in a structured settlement.
Pro Tip: When comparing different structured settlement offers, calculate the internal rate of return to determine which is the most profitable option.

Factors affecting rates

Several factors influence funding rates in structured settlements. Interest rates play a major role. When interest rates are high, structured settlements become more attractive as they offer a guaranteed cash – flow. The risk associated with the settlement, such as the financial stability of the payer, also affects the rates. Additionally, the time remaining until the full settlement is paid out impacts the rates. The longer the time period, the higher the discount rate is likely to be.

Impact on cost – benefit analysis

The funding rates have a significant impact on the cost – benefit analysis of selling a structured settlement. A high discount rate means that the seller will receive a lower lump – sum amount, potentially reducing the overall benefit of selling. On the other hand, a low discount rate makes selling more attractive. For example, if a seller has a large medical bill to pay and needs a lump – sum amount, they need to weigh the cost of receiving a reduced amount due to the discount rate against the benefit of having immediate access to funds.
Try our rate comparison calculator to see how different funding rates can impact your settlement payout.
Top – performing solutions include companies that offer transparent rate calculations and competitive rates. When choosing a structured settlement funding company, it’s important to review their rates and customer reviews to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Funding eligibility requirements

The demand for structured settlement funding has witnessed a significant surge in recent years. In 2019, the structured settlement funding reached a height of $6.5 billion, averaging $250,000 per case (SEMrush 2023 Study). Understanding the eligibility requirements is crucial for anyone seeking such funding. Let’s explore the eligibility criteria for different types of structured settlement funding.

Advance funding (Pre – settlement funding)

Filed lawsuit with attorney

To be eligible for pre – settlement funding, one of the primary requirements is that you must have filed a lawsuit with an attorney. This is because the funding is based on the potential outcome of your legal case. For example, if you have been injured in a car accident and have hired a personal injury attorney to file a lawsuit against the at – fault party, you may be eligible for pre – settlement funding.
Pro Tip: When choosing an attorney for your case, make sure to select one with a good track record in similar cases. A successful attorney increases the likelihood of your case being approved for pre – settlement funding. As recommended by [Industry Tool], a lawyer who specializes in the area of your claim can better represent your interests and make your case more attractive to funding companies.

Case stage

Some funding companies are more likely to approve funding if the case is at an advanced stage, with a pending court date or settlement negotiations underway. This provides greater certainty for the funding company regarding the eventual settlement. For instance, if your lawsuit is about to go to trial, a funding company may see it as less risky and be more willing to provide advance funding.
Key Takeaways:

  • Pre – settlement funding requires a filed lawsuit with an attorney.
  • The stage of your case can impact your eligibility for this type of funding.

FAQ

What is structured settlement funding?

Structured settlement funding provides financial options to those with a structured settlement. It includes advance funding, given before a lawsuit settles, and selling the settlement for a lump sum. According to a SEMrush 2023 Study, it’s a significant part of the financial landscape. Detailed in our [Structured settlement funding options] analysis, these options help meet various financial needs.

How to choose a structured settlement funding company?

When choosing a company, consider information provision, recommendation of independent legal counsel, and customer service. A company should be transparent about costs, suggest legal advice, and offer responsive service. As recommended by Trustpilot, top – performing companies excel in these areas. Use our structured settlement company comparison tool for better decisions.

Advance funding vs Sale: Which is better?

Advance funding is ideal for short – term needs, providing quick cash before settlement. Selling a structured settlement offers a lump sum but forfeits future income. Unlike selling, advance funding doesn’t require giving up future payments. However, it may have high – interest rates. Consider long – term goals and risks, as detailed in our [Advance funding vs sale] section.

Steps for getting court approval to sell a structured settlement?

First, gather necessary documentation like medical bills and financial statements. Then, apply for court approval, showing the need for the sale. It’s advisable to work with a reputable structured settlement broker. The court ensures the sale is in the recipient’s best interest. Check our [Sale of structured settlement] analysis for more details.

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