Sell My Structured Settlement: How to Get Cash for Your Future Payments
I've been helping people sell their structured settlements since 2014. In those 12 years, I've sat across the table — or on the phone — with hundreds of people facing the same question: should I sell my structured settlement, and if so, who can I trust to help me do it? This post is my honest answer to both.
The process is more straightforward than most people expect. The decision, however, is more personal than most companies will admit. My job isn't to push you toward a transaction — it's to make sure you understand your options clearly, so whatever you decide, you're confident about it.
Real Example: From Settlement Payments to Full Financial Freedom
Before I explain the process, let me show you what it can actually look like in practice.
A few years ago, a client — a banker, of all people — reached out after finding my educational videos on TikTok and doing his own research online. He had three large lump-sum payments coming in the future:
• $150,000 due in 2032
• $200,000 due in 2037
• $338,268 due in 2042
On paper, that's nearly $700,000. But those payments were 6, 11, and 16 years away. He needed the money now — not to splurge, but to eliminate debt and build long-term wealth. After receiving a free quote, reviewing it with financial advisors at his own bank, and confirming it aligned with his goals, he moved forward.
Net lump sum received today: $215,732.92
Here's how he used it:
• $186,742.98 to pay off his remaining mortgage
• $14,293.63 to eliminate student loans
• $15,000 seeded into an investment portfolio
By paying off the mortgage early, he eliminated over $250,000 in future interest payments. He then redirected that $1,200/month mortgage payment into investments. At a conservative 6% return, that's projected to grow to over $1.3 million in 30 years. At historical S&P 500 returns, potentially $3.36 million.
He didn't need cash. He needed a strategy. This transaction gave him one.
This case study is for illustrative and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Individual results may vary. All transfers are subject to court approval.
Can I Sell My Structured Settlement?
Yes — and it's completely legal. If you're receiving payments from a structured settlement or annuity (typically from a personal injury, medical malpractice, or wrongful death lawsuit), you have the right to sell some or all of those future payments for a lump sum of cash today.
All transactions require court approval under your state's Structured Settlement Protection Act (SSPA). This is actually a good thing — a judge independently reviews the transaction to confirm it's in your best interest and that you understand what you're agreeing to. No one can pressure you into a deal that doesn't make sense for your situation.
How the Process Works (Step by Step)
Here's exactly what happens when you work with American Annuity Funding:
Step 1: Review your payments
We look at your payment schedule in full — monthly payments, future lump sums, and total remaining value. This gives us a clear picture of what you have and what you might want to access.
Step 2: Get a free lump sum quote
We calculate what your future payments are worth in today's dollars. This is called the present value, and it's determined by the timing of your payments and the discount rate applied. I personally walk you through how we arrived at the number — no guesswork.
Step 3: Choose what you want to sell
You don't have to sell everything. Many clients sell a portion of their payments — specific lump sums, a set number of monthly payments, or a custom combination — while keeping the rest. This flexibility is one of the biggest advantages people don't realize they have.
This allows you to take care of your immediate plans while maintaining the integrity of the future payments you currently do not have plans for.
Step 4: Court approval
We handle all the paperwork and court filings. A judge reviews the transaction and approves it once satisfied it's in your best interest. This step typically takes 45–60 days total from start to funding.
This is also arguably the most important part of the process. Having the correct strategy and legal team to guide you through the process is what will ultimately lead you to an approval. We highly suggest when speaking to companies that you ask how they plan to get this approved and what exactly that strategy entails. You should feel confident in the approach of who you are working with — otherwise a transfer can get denied.
Step 5: Receive your cash
Once the court approves the transfer, funds are released — typically within a few days of the hearing.
How Much Cash Can I Get?
This depends on a few factors: the total amount of your payments, when those payments are scheduled, current market conditions, the insurance company that owns and issues your payments, and the discount rate applied to calculate present value.
Because future money is worth less than money today (inflation, time value of money), you won't receive the full face value of your payments. What you will receive is a fair market value for accessing that money now instead of waiting years. In my experience, understanding the discount rate is the single most important thing you can do before accepting or rejecting any offer.
What to Watch Out for When Shopping Around
If you've called multiple companies and gotten different quotes, that's normal — and expected. Different companies apply different discount rates, have different funding costs, and structure deals differently. A higher offer isn't always better if the terms aren't clearly explained.
The most important thing I tell anyone who's shopping around: if a company can't clearly explain how they calculated your offer, walk away. A legitimate buyer will take the time to show you the math. You should never feel rushed, confused, or pressured into a decision this significant.
Before you move forward with anyone, make sure you understand:
• Exactly how your payments were valued (present value calculation)
• What discount rate was applied and why
• Whether you're selling all payments or just a portion
• What the court approval process looks like and how long it takes
• Their exact strategy in guiding you through the legal process and how they plan to present your case to the judge in your attempt to obtain approval on the transfer
Is Selling Your Structured Settlement the Right Move?
Honestly — it depends on your situation, and I'll always tell you that upfront.
It may make sense if you:
• Have high-interest debt eating into your monthly cash flow
• Want to invest in opportunities with a higher long-term return
• Need a significant amount of capital now for a home, business, or emergency
• Have a clear financial plan for how you'd use the funds
It may not make sense if you:
• Rely on your monthly payments as your primary income
• Don't have an immediate financial need or goal
• Are disabled or retired and your annuity is your sole income source
I've had calls where, after talking through someone's situation, I've told them not to move forward. That's not a common thing to hear from a company in this industry — but my goal is a client for life, not a one-time transaction.
Why Clients Choose American Annuity Funding
There are large national companies in this industry with big advertising budgets and call centers full of salespeople. We're not that.
American Annuity Funding is an independent, BBB-accredited company based in Florida. When you call us, you're talking to someone who has been in this industry for over a decade and who genuinely cares about the outcome of your transaction. We don't pressure, we don't rush, and we don't hide numbers.
Our clients find us through TikTok and other social media platforms, Google, and word of mouth — not because we outspend competitors on ads, but because the people we've helped tell others. That's the standard we hold ourselves to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell just part of my structured settlement?
Yes. You can sell a portion of your payments — specific lump sums, a defined number of monthly payments, or a custom combination — while keeping the rest intact.
Is selling a structured settlement legal?
Yes. All transactions are court-approved under your state's Structured Settlement Protection Act. The process is fully regulated and designed to protect you.
How do I know if I'm getting a fair offer?
Ask the company to walk you through the present value calculation and the discount rate they applied. If they can't explain it clearly, that's a red flag. We'll always show you the math.
How long does the process take?
Most transactions are completed in 45–60 days from the time we receive your documents through court approval and funding.
Ready to See What Your Payments Are Worth?
The first step is a free, no-obligation quote. We'll review your payment schedule, show you exactly what your future payments are worth today, and walk you through whether this makes sense for your situation.
No pressure. No runaround. Just a straight answer from someone who's been doing this for 12 years.
Call us directly: 866-203-8881
Or fill out the form below and we will contact you right away.
— Anthony Cioppa, American Annuity Funding