How Much Is My Structured Settlement Worth?
Find Your Number in 60 Seconds
Most sellers receive 52-79% of the face value of the payments they sell. On a $200,000 stream, that is $104,000 to $158,000. The $54,000 gap between best and worst depends on one thing: whether you compare offers. Use the calculator below to see your range instantly.
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⚡ Quick Answer
Your structured settlement is worth 52-79% of its total face value as a lump sum today. The exact amount depends on your discount rate (7.5-18%), payment timeline, annuity issuer rating, and whether payments are guaranteed or life-contingent. Sellers who compare 3+ offers receive an average of $12,400 more than those who accept the first offer. The best rates currently available are from DRB Capital (7.5-12%). Use the calculator below or get 3 real offers in 24 hours.
💰 Structured Settlement Value Calculator
Enter your payment details to see an estimated lump-sum range. This uses the same present value formula buyers use, with rates reflecting current 2026 market conditions.
Estimate only. Actual quotes vary. Get your exact number from 3 buyers →
6 Real Payout Scenarios: What Sellers Actually Receive
These scenarios are based on market data from 4,000+ court-approved transactions (2024-2026). Rates reflect guaranteed payments from A-rated issuers. Life-contingent payments receive 10-25% less.
$1,000/mo for 10 years
Rate: 10-14%Near-term monthly payments — highest value per dollar
$2,000/mo for 15 years
Rate: 9-13%Mid-range stream — most common sale type
$2,000/mo for 20 years
Rate: 11-15%Long-dated stream — steeper discount due to time value
$50,000 lump in 5 years
Rate: 9-13%Single future payment — shorter wait = better rate
$3,000/mo for 25 years
Rate: 10-15%Large long-dated stream — negotiate hard on rate
$1,500/mo for 7 years
Rate: 9-12%Short remaining term — highest percentage of face value
Source: Court filing analysis, buyer disclosures, and mystery shopping (2024-2026, n=4,000+). Figures for guaranteed payments from A-rated issuers. See our Discount Rates Guide for methodology.
8 Factors That Raise or Lower Your Settlement Value
Your settlement's value is not fixed. These factors determine whether you land at 52% or 79% of face value. The good news: several are within your control.
Payments due sooner
A buyer gets their money back faster. Less time discounting = more cash for you.
A+ rated issuer (MetLife, Prudential)
Zero default risk means buyers compete harder, driving your rate down and payout up.
Guaranteed (period certain) payments
Payments continue regardless of your lifespan. No actuarial risk for buyer.
Multiple competing offers (3+)
Competition forces buyers to sharpen their rates. The most powerful lever you control.
Life-contingent payments
Payments stop if you pass away. Buyers price actuarial risk with higher discount rates.
Payments far in the future (15+ years)
Compound discounting over decades significantly reduces present value.
Seller urgency / desperation
Buyers detect urgency and offer less. Patience and multiple quotes are your armor.
Using a broker (not direct funder)
Broker takes a cut passed to you as a higher rate. Work with direct funders only.
How Much Each Buyer Pays: 8-Company Value Comparison
The same payment stream produces dramatically different lump sums depending on which buyer you choose. Here is what each company typically pays as a percentage of face value (based on guaranteed monthly payments from A-rated issuers):
| Company | Discount Rate | % of Face Value | Speed | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DRB Capital | 7.5-12% | 68-79% | 35-50 days | Best value |
| Catalina Structured | 8-10.5% | 65-76% | 30-45 days | Close second |
| Peachtree Financial | 9-12% | 62-72% | 45-60 days | Solid mid-tier |
| Fairfield Funding | 9-11.5% | 63-73% | 45-60 days | Good option |
| JG Wentworth | 11-18% | 52-65% | 40-60 days | Overpay risk |
| RSL Funding | 9-12% | 62-72% | 45-60 days | Mid-tier |
| SenecaOne | 10-13% | 58-68% | 45-60 days | Below average |
| CBC Settlement | 10-14% | 56-66% | 45-60 days | Below average |
Data from mystery shopping, BBB profiles, court filings (2024-2026). See our DRB Capital Review and Sell Payments Guide for full methodology.
6 Ways to Maximize What Your Settlement Is Worth
The difference between a well-prepared seller and an unprepared one is $15,000 to $40,000 on a typical $200,000+ stream. These six strategies account for that gap:
1. Get 3-5 written quotes before accepting any offer
Saves $8,000-$25,000Each additional quote forces buyers to compete. The first offer is never the best offer.
2. Ask every buyer to disclose the discount rate in writing
Prevents $10,000+ in hidden markupMost buyers only quote a lump sum. Without the rate, you cannot compare apples to apples.
3. Sell only the payments you need to sell
Preserves $15,000-$60,000+ in future incomePartial sales solve your problem without sacrificing your entire income stream.
4. Target DRB Capital + Catalina in your quote requests
Lowest rates in industry (7.5-10.5%)Our mystery shopping confirmed these two consistently beat other buyers by 2-4 points.
5. Wait until you are NOT desperate before selling
Better rate by 1-3 points ($4K-$15K)Buyers sense urgency. If possible, plan your sale 60+ days before you need the cash.
6. Have your annuity contract ready before calling
Faster, more accurate quotesBuyers need your payment schedule, issuer name, and dates to give a real number.
💡 Combined effect: Sellers who follow all 6 strategies receive an average of 71% of face value versus 56% for those who accept the first offer. On $250,000 in payments, that is $37,500 more in your pocket.
🎯 What Is MY Settlement Worth? (Personalized Assessment)
Answer 5 quick questions to get a personalized estimate of where your settlement falls on the value spectrum:
Q1: What type of payments do you receive?
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Your Exact Number — 3 Competing Offers in 24 Hours
The calculator gives you a range. Real quotes give you the exact dollar amount. Here is what happens next:
Sources & Methodology
Payout percentages: Analysis of 4,000+ court-approved structured settlement transfers (2024-2026), cross-referenced with buyer disclosures and mystery-shop data.
Discount rates: Catalina Structured Funding, Annuity.org, JG Wentworth disclosures.
DRB Capital rates: Verified via written offers on 4 payment profiles. See our detailed review.
Present value formula: PV = PMT × [(1 - (1+r)^-n) / r] for monthly payments; PV = FV / (1+r)^n for lump sums.
Tax status: IRC § 104(a)(2) (tax-free personal injury settlements).
Consumer guidance: 4Structures.com (John Darer, Structured Settlement Watchdog).