Selling Your Structured Settlement: The Complete Process
Sarah Chen
CFP®
Updated May 2, 2026 • 25 min read
Key Takeaway
Selling a structured settlement takes 45-90 days and involves 5 steps: decide how much to sell, get quotes from 3-5 buyers, review the contract, obtain court approval, and receive your lump sum.
Step 1: Evaluate Your Financial Needs
Before contacting buyers, determine exactly how much cash you need and why. Courts require a legitimate reason for approving a settlement transfer. Common approved reasons include purchasing a home, paying off high-interest debt, covering medical expenses, funding education, or starting a business.
You do not need to sell all your payments — partial sales often get better discount rates and leave you with ongoing income.
Step 2: Get Multiple Quotes
Contact at least 3-5 companies that buy structured settlements. Provide them with your payment schedule including amount, frequency, remaining payments, and the insurance company issuing the annuity.
Each buyer will calculate an offer based on their discount rate. Compare offers side by side and use our calculator to verify their math.
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