If you're on the winning side of a lawsuit, there are different ways to receive the money you're awarded. One option is a structured settlement, which includes periodic payments over time. But if you need the money sooner, you may prefer a lump sum upfront. One way to access the lump sum is by working with a structured settlement company. It’s worth considering—but not all companies are reputable, so you need to choose the right one.
We looked at 12 of the most popular structured settlement companies to create a list of the best service providers in this industry. Our rankings consider each company’s history, accreditation, settlement options, and more to help you decide which structured settlement company is right for you.
The 5 Best Structured Settlement Companies of 2021
- Best Overall: Peachtree Financial Solutions
- Best for Pricing: Fairfield Funding
- Best for Customer Support: DRB Capital
- Best for Company Longevity: Stone Street Capital
- Best for Pre-Settlement Funding: USClaims
Best Overall : Peachtree Financial Solutions
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Peachtree Financial Solutions
Peachtree Financial Services earned our top spot for several reasons. The company has a long history, solid reputation, and backing from J.G. Wentworth. The reason it inched ahead of its parent company is the faster timeline for payouts—including the company’s cash advance options.
The process is outlined on the website
It's easy to reach customer service
Cash advance option
Lack of pricing transparency
Must call a representative for key details
Peachtree Financial Services has been in business since 1996. The Pennsylvania-based company buys payments for annuities, lottery winnings, structured settlements, and more. J.G. Wentworth, another company on our list, bought Peachtree Financial Services in 2011, but the companies operate separately. Peachtree Financial Services is a member of the National Association of Settlement Purchasers and Better Business Bureau accredited with an A+ rating.
Unfortunately, Peachtree Financial Services doesn’t provide a fee structure on its website. You will need to call for minimum settlement details. But the company does a good job of explaining how the process works including the consultation, documents required, and filing paperwork on your behalf.
Peachtree Financial Services prides itself on being accessible, with its phone number on multiple pages of its website. According to ConsumersAdvocate, the team is available seven days a week, making them readily accessible to answer your questions at your convenience.
The average structured settlement transaction takes 60 to 90 days, but it’s possible to get a cash advance within 24 to 72 business hours.
Best for Pricing : Fairfield Funding
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Fairfield Funding
Most structured settlement companies don’t provide easy-to-access pricing details online. But Fairfield Funding offers a guarantee to beat competitor pricing—with a $500 offer if they can’t—which makes the company our review's best for pricing.
Low pricing guarantee
Fast transaction process
It's easy to reach customer service
Less established than competitors
Must call a representative for key details
Fairfield Funding has been in business since 2008 and focuses on structured settlements and annuity payments. The company is a member of the National Association of Settlement Purchasers. Fairfield Funding is also Better Business Bureau accredited with an A+ rating.
Fairfield Funding charges 6% to 18% to buy structured settlements. The exact price depends on the payment dates, payment amounts, and current economy, according to the company’s website. You will have to call to learn about the company’s policy for minimum payments. The process is briefly outlined on the company’s website and starts with calculating the lump sum value and ends with completing the court documents.
Fairfield Funding makes its phone number visible on every page of the company’s website and also has a responsive live chat. The average structured settlement takes 30 to 45 days, but the company may complete the transaction in fewer than 30. The company also offers a cash advance within five days.
Fairfield Funding offers a 100% guarantee for the following:
- Best price: The company will beat a competitor’s offer or pay you $500.
- Cash now: You are eligible for a cash advance within five days.
- Fixed: The cash advance is fixed with no interest.
- Fast: The company will close your transaction as quickly as the state law allows.
A representative will go over the guarantee details with you when you call for a consultation.
Best for Customer Support : DRB Capital
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DRB Capital
DRB Capital was an easy pick for our customer support slot. It’s the only company that promises a dedicated representative throughout the process. DRB Capital also offers both English and Spanish support.
Dedicated representative
English and Spanish support
Stop Structured Fraud program
Lack of pricing transparency
Must call a representative for key details
More established competitors
DRB Capital, a subsidiary of DRB Financial Solutions, has been in business since 2007. The Delray Beach, Florida-based company buys structured settlements and annuity payments. DRB is a member of the National Association of Settlement Purchasers. The company is also Better Business Bureau accredited with an A+ rating.
Unfortunately, there are no pricing or minimum settlement details on DRB Capital’s website. Nor does the company disclose its buying process; consumers will have to call to get specific details for their unique structured settlement needs.
DRB Capital stands out with personalized customer service. You will work with a dedicated representative throughout the entire process—start to finish. Also, the company offers phone support seven days a week in both English and Spanish.
DRB Capital has a history of customer advocacy within the industry, addressing bad actors. The company fights illegal and unethical practices in the structured settlement business through its Stop Structured Fraud program. DRB Capital currently offers a $100,000 bounty to whistleblowers.
Best for Company Longevity : Stone Street Capital
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Stone Street Capital
When you’re dealing with a structured settlement, it’s important to work with a company you can trust. Stone Street Capital made the cut because it’s the oldest company on our list, with strong consumer reviews.
Established company
It's easy to reach customer service
Lack of transparency on website
Must call a representative for key details
Founded in 1989, Stone Street Capital is the oldest structured settlement company on our list. The Rockville, Maryland-based company purchases structured settlements, annuity payments, and prizes like lottery or casino winnings.
Stone Street Capital is a member of the National Association of Settlement Purchasers and is Better Business Bureau accredited with an A+ rating. The company has earned 4.2 stars out of 5 from ConsumersAdvocate.
Stone Street Capital doesn’t offer pricing or minimum settlement options, instead creating a customized plan over the phone for each customer. Submit information via a contact form or call the toll-free phone number to be paired with someone who can work with you within your state of residence.
There is also a quick way on the website to see if you qualify for a structured settlement buyout that walks you through how much you need and where the money would be coming from to determine eligibility.
Best for Pre-Settlement Funding : USClaims
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USClaims
USClaims’ recent Consumer Litigation Funding Provider award, long history, and reputation make it an easy choice for pre-settlement funding best. A few companies on the list offer a cash advance but none within a 24-hour timeframe.
Fast payments
It's easy to reach customer service
Limited pricing details on website
Not a member of National Association of Settlement Purchasers
USClaims is another long-standing company with 24 years in the business. A subsidiary of DRB Financial Solutions, the company focuses on pre-settlement funding and is Better Business Bureau accredited with an A+ rating. USClaims isn’t a member of the National Association of Settlement Purchasers, but it was named Best Consumer Litigation Funding Provider by the audience of Corporate Counsel—the leading national legal and business news publication.
USClaims specializes in providing upfront cash for personal injury victims. You may be eligible for approximately 10% of the value of your case in litigation funding, meaning while you are in a trial seeking final settlement. There is no risk and you won’t pay USClaims unless you receive a settlement. Once USClaims approves your application, you may receive the money in less than 24 hours.
The fee is calculated on a case-by-case basis, depending on the total settlement amount. The price may increase, depending on how long it takes for USClaims to receive the money. The company charges one of the lowest rates in the industry, according to its website. Plus, you won’t see any surprise fees.
Consumers can use the toll-free phone number to find out how much they are eligible for in presettlement funds and how that affects their post-trial funding options.
FAQs
What Is a Structured Settlement?
After winning a personal injury lawsuit, you may have a couple of choices for how to accept your money. You may opt for a series of payments over time—a.k.a. a structured settlement. If you’re looking for a lump sum, you may work with a structured settlement company. These companies offer a smaller lump sum in exchange for your structured settlement payments.
Are Structured Settlements a Good Idea?
It depends. A structured settlement may offer more money over time. It may also be a good idea if you don't have experience managing money. Your payments are tax-free—and there is less of a risk of losing the money through a bad investment. But if you need access to more money sooner, the lump sum option may be better. The biggest downside of a lump sum is you will receive less money overall.
What Is the Difference Between a Structured Settlement and an Annuity?
Structured settlements and annuities have a few things in common. Both involve fixed income periodic payments and may prevent you from spending a lump sum of money. There's a key difference, though. You can buy an annuity as an investment from an insurance company. A structured settlement offers the same payment structure, but it’s a payment option you can choose after winning money from a lawsuit.
What Is the Cost of a Structured Settlement?
Structured settlement companies make money by taking a percentage of your settlement. The fee may range from 7% to 29%, according to ConsumerAffairs. Only one company from our list, Fairfield Funding, offered online pricing details. The company’s pricing falls within this range. The CFPB recommends getting the company's fees, extra costs, and interest in writing before signing a structured settlement deal.
How We Chose the Structured Settlement Companies
Dealing with a lawsuit can be stressful—even after you have won. If you are looking to cash in your structured settlement for a lump sum, there are many factors to consider. To create our list, we looked at company history and accreditation. We also compared website transparency, the settlement process, customer service, and other standout features.