All structured settlement companies claim to be reliable, fast, and experienced. However, when every promise sounds the same, it becomes nearly impossible to tell the difference between multiple companies.
People aren’t looking for vague guarantees. They want to know what companies follow through, pay fairly, and don’t waste time with delays or unclear terms.
This also includes potential punitive damages considerations.
In addition, they need assurances that their payouts can support a retirement plan or sinking funds decades down the line.
Therefore, this article outlines what structured settlement companies do, how the selling process works, and which companies can consistently deliver the results you desire.
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What Is a Structured Settlement?
A structured settlement is a financial arrangement that pays compensation through periodic payments instead of a lump sum settlement.
People commonly use this agreement for cases involving personal injury claims, medical malpractice, wrongful death, or workers’ compensation.
Rather than receiving the full payout at once, the recipient gets recurring payments over time, which can be monthly, annually, or in customized intervals.
One reason structured settlements are used is the long-term financial security they offer, especially during periods of economic downturns, such as high inflation, recession, or international conflicts.
The payments are also usually tax-free and designed to cover ongoing needs, such as medical care or lost income.
Several parties are involved in setting up a structured settlement transaction.
- The claimant is the person receiving the payments. These are structured according to the claimant’s specific needs.
- The defendant, usually the party found liable, funds the settlement through an insurance company, ensuring the injured party receives due compensation.
- An assignment company, or purchasing company, may also step in to take on the payment obligations by purchasing an annuity from a life insurance provider, which then issues the scheduled payments.
What Are Structured Settlement Companies?
Structured settlement companies are life insurance providers responsible for issuing payments based on a court order.
These payments usually come from physical injury, wrongful death, or workers’ compensation claims. They are also structured to provide long-term financial support.
Additionally, the insurance company does not handle the sale but is influential in delivering the scheduled annuity payments.
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What Are the Roles of Structured Settlement Companies?
Structured settlement companies are involved in different parts of the process depending on the following roles:
Brokers
Broker structured settlement companies work between sellers and buyers. They interpret offers, explain the costs, and can often negotiate higher payouts to help you get the best deal.
As such, good brokers advocate for the seller. They’re not just middlemen collecting a cut without adding value.
Buyers (Factoring Companies)
Structured settlement companies that act as buyers or factoring companies purchase structured settlements in exchange for lump sum payments.
Many structured settlement buyers offer to buy all future payments, while others only purchase a portion.
Also, a reputable factoring company buys structured settlements only after a thorough evaluation.
Issuers
Issuers are the original insurance companies that make the guaranteed payments.
These structured settlement companies are not part of the sale but are usually notified when a structured settlement is transferred.
At the same time, their role is limited to disbursing funds as agreed in the original court-approved plan.
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How to Sell a Structured Settlement?
Selling a structured settlement usually comes down to urgency.
People consider it when regular payments can’t meet immediate costs, like paying off debt, covering ongoing medical bills, or handling an unexpected financial shift.
You can also use the payments for big purchases or taking out different types of loans, such as personal loans, home loans, auto loans, or student loans.
Consult a Structured Settlement Attorney
Before starting the sale or any pre-trial settlement discussions, it’s vital to speak with a structured settlement attorney.
They will explain your legal obligations, point out risks, and ensure that the process aligns with state and federal laws.
Attorneys can also assess whether the offer you receive is fair, especially when contracts or long-term implications are unclear.
Research Structured Settlement Factoring Companies
Not all buyers follow the same process. Some make aggressive offers, while others rely on transparency. Start by identifying licensed companies with a consistent record.
Look into complaints, lawsuits, or licensing issues. Then, read actual reviews and narrow down these details with simple, documented procedures you can follow without needing constant clarification.
Get Structured Settlement Quotes for Comparison
Getting multiple quotes from different structured settlement companies is necessary. You should also request a no obligation quote with each inquiry.
Buyers calculate the value of your future payments differently, and this difference affects your payout.
Compare the net amount you’d receive after fees and discount rates. Don’t rely on the biggest headline number. Ask for a full breakdown of how they got to that number.
Seek Court Approval
Every sale must go through a judge to receive court approval. Depending on where you live, after submitting your request, you may need to attend a hearing.
Judges review whether selling your payments serves your best interest, primarily if the structured settlement was initially intended for long-term care, child support, disability income, and judgments involving minors.
Finalize the Structured Settlement Sale and Receive Your Lump Sum
Once approved, you’ll sign the final annuity contract. You will not receive the funds until the court approves and signs off, so expect a waiting period.
When it’s cleared, the buyer will send your lump sum payment by check or direct deposit, depending on your arrangement.
However, it’s crucial to plan ahead to prevent overspending, avoid impulse buying, eliminate unnecessary expenses, and curb lifestyle inflation.
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What to Consider When Choosing a Structured Settlement Company
The quality of a structured settlement company affects every part of the transaction, from the size of your payout to the length of the process.
Since most companies advertise similar services, you need to look beyond surface-level claims and evaluate what they actually deliver.
Customer Support Quality
Start by checking how the company handles questions before you agree to anything. Clear explanations, fast responses, and well-informed staff are non-negotiable.
How a company supports you during early conversations reflects how they’ll manage the full transfer.
This is why you must also scan verified reviews for patterns in service quality, especially during time-sensitive parts of the process.
Low Structured Settlement Discount Rates
The discount rate directly affects how much money you receive. A lower rate means you keep more of your future payments. So, you must not settle for the first offer.
Compare rates from multiple buyers, and request a full breakdown of fees. This step reveals whether the headline number holds up after deductions and processing costs.
Trusted Structured Settlement Company Reputation
Structured settlement companies’ reputation is crucial when dealing with high-value financial transfers.
Therefore, look into how long the company has been operating and how it handles complaints. For instance, a long history and clean record indicate consistency.
However, you must still search for unresolved legal disputes or poor consumer feedback that point to past issues.
Flexible Structured Settlement Buyout Options
Some structured settlement companies only offer full buyouts, which might not fit your financial needs.
Prioritize those that allow partial or customized sales, so you can keep a portion of your future payments.
This flexibility gives you control over how much to sell based on your immediate situation.
Legal Support for Structured Settlement Transfers
Good structured settlement companies don’t leave legal compliance up to you. Many provide legal teams to manage court filings and hearing preparation.
This legal support matters because any mistake in the paperwork can delay approval or risk denial. Built-in legal support also helps keep the transfer on track and within state laws.
NASP Certification
The National Association of Settlement Purchasers (NASP) sets professional standards for structured settlement companies.
If a company is certified, it follows industry regulations and ethical guidelines. While certification isn’t mandatory, it’s generally a strong indicator of accountability and transparency.
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Best Structured Settlement Companies 2025
The companies listed below are active in 2025 and stand out for speed, transparency, and customer experience.
CBC Settlement Funding
CBC Settlement Funding is recognized for its competitive quotes and personalized customer service.
Clients are assigned dedicated representatives who guide them through the entire process without pressure.
The company offers free, no-obligation quotes and strives to match or beat competitor offers.
CBC Settlement Funding LLC holds an A+ accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, but has a low average customer rating of 2.33 out of 5 stars.
However, with only three reviews, this small sample size may not fully represent typical customer experiences.
DRB Capital
DRB Capital, headquartered in Delray Beach, Florida, has been operating since 2011.
This structured settlement company is known for excellent customer service and flexible payout options, which make it convenient for clients to sell their structured settlements.
DRB Capital holds a TrustScore of 4.8 out of 5 on Trustpilot, based on 73 reviews.
While the majority of reviews are positive, some customers have expressed concerns about communication delays during the process.
Fairfield Funding
Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Fairfield Funding provides specialized services in purchasing structured settlements. Its financial professionals offer expert assistance to customers throughout the selling process.
Fairfield Funding holds a Trustpilot score of 3.6 out of 5. Clients appreciate the company’s specialized services in purchasing structured settlements.
However, some customers have reported issues with the clarity of communication and delays in processing times.
Stone Street Capital
Operating out of Bethesda, Maryland, Stone Street Capital is known for fast funding times post-judge approval.
This structured settlement company reports an average wait time of just one week after court hearings for funding.
Stone Street Capital has also held an A+ rating with the BBB since August 19, 1996, and boasts zero complaints over the past three years, underscoring its reliable funding turnaround after court approval.
Meanwhile, independent feedback on ComplaintsBoard gives the company a 4.2-star average from 12 reviewers, though three users noted communication gaps and questions about fee transparency.
JG Wentworth
One of the most recognized names in the structured settlement industry, JG Wentworth is known for its financial hardship programs.
JG Wentworth has a Trustpilot score of 4.8 out of 5 and over 17,000 reviews. The company is praised for its efficiency and customer service.
On the other hand, a few customers have expressed dissatisfaction with the company’s responsiveness.
RSL Funding
RSL Funding, headquartered in Houston, Texas, provides settlement lump sum payouts totaling $200 million.
This structured settlement company offers a “Most Cash Guarantee” and has referral bonuses available for clients.
However, RSL Funding, LLC appears in the BBB directory with an F rating due to unauthorized use of the BBB trademark, yet records show zero complaints filed in the last three years.
On ConsumerAffairs, customers award it five stars overall but mention occasional follow-up delays and difficulty reaching representatives, suggesting inconsistent service quality.
Annuity.org
Annuity.org provides informational resources and referral connections for people exploring structured settlement transfers.
While tit doesn’t directly purchase payments, it partners with vetted buyers and prioritize consumer education.
Annuity.org has a Trustpilot score of 4.8 out of 5. Users appreciate the educational resources and guidance provided.
However, some customers have criticized the lack of transparency regarding rates.
Annuity Transfers, Ltd.
Annuity Transfers, Ltd. is a direct buyer of structured settlements and annuities. This company manages the legal filing process internally and markets itself as a transparent and efficient option for sellers.
The BBB does not accredit Annuity Transfers, Ltd. and registers no customer reviews or complaints on its profile.
On the other hand, Trustburn reviews reveal mixed experiences: some clients praise a smooth, transparent process, while others report slow response times and average service, indicating variability in support.
Novation Settlement Solutions
Located in West Palm Beach, Florida, Novation Settlement Solutions enables customers to cash out their structured settlements with quick decision-making.
This structured settlement company offers the convenience of receiving offers over the phone or via email.
Operated as Novation Funding, LLC, Novation Settlement Solutions lacks BBB accreditation but holds an A rating, flagged for limited transparency around ownership details.
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Other Structured Settlement Companies to Consider
Not every structured settlement company operates with the same visibility or marketing presence, but some less-publicized firms offer competitive rates, faster timelines, or unique service options.
These companies may be worth considering, especially if you’re comparing quotes or looking for alternatives to larger brands.
123 Lump Sum
123 Lump Sum operates nationally, buying structured settlement payments and offering upfront quotes.
This structured settlement company has maintained a BBB accreditation with an A+ rating since October 12, 2018, and commits to BBB trust standards.
In the past three years, the BBB logged five complaints, mostly about repeated marketing contacts and unsolicited communications, though the company has resolved at least one complaint to closure.
WePayMoreFunding
WePayMoreFunding emphasizes transparency by providing detailed information throughout the process.
This company aims to complete transactions promptly, typically within 45 to 90 days, depending on court hearing schedules.
In addition, on April 30, 2019, WePayMore Funding, LLC earned BBB accreditation with an A+ rating, demonstrating strong adherence to trust standards.
Separately, ChamberofCommerce reviews average 4.9 stars across 60 user comments, yet a few mention that communication dropped off unexpectedly after initial engagement, suggesting occasional follow-through gaps.
AnnuityFreedom.net
AnnuityFreedom.net functions as an educational and referral platform. It connects users with licensed third-party buyers and supplies tools for estimating structured settlement value online.
This structured settlement company does not appear in BBB directory searches, indicating no accreditation or public complaint record.
The site delivers extensive articles and referral listings, but because it does not provide direct buyout services, users must navigate to third-party buyers for actual quotes, which can add extra steps and potential delays.
Monarch Structured Settlements
Monarch Structured Settlements works with claimants from injury or workers’ compensation cases who need to access their structured monthly payments early.
This structured settlement company is absent from the BBB database, so it does not hold an accreditation or consumer dispute record.
The company’s website features numerous attorney testimonials praising its efficiency and client care.
However, the lack of independent reviews or publicly logged complaints makes it hard to verify how it performs outside its own marketing.
Independent Life
Independent Life is a life insurance company that issues structured settlement annuities.
However, it does not appear in BBB consumer listings and lacks client reviews online.
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Conclusion
Structured settlement companies are responsible for converting court-ordered payments into lump sums.
Their function is transactional, but the quality of the transaction depends on how they handle legal filings, court scheduling, and payment release.
This list is a starting point, so use it to compare practices, track complaint histories, and identify companies with a consistent record of closing deals without unnecessary friction.
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