Many people receive structured settlement payments as part of an agreement from an insurance company as a result of an accident or medical malpractice. Usually, the cash payments are received for a specific period of time, on an installment plan. Typically the claimant will receive monthly payments instead of as a lump sum or flat rate.
Often considered a long-term contract, structured settlement payments are designed to offer financial security for the long haul. It provides a source of funds to pay medical bills, living expenses and/or medications. The logic behind issuing structured settlement payments is the assurance that it provides the receiver that they will have the money they need in the future. Often times, the insurance company will provide an annuity with a specific dollar amount paid up front that will produce monthly payments to the beneficiary.
Payment Options
There are numerous options for structured settlement payments other than just receiving a monthly check. The payment schedule can be set as a single annual amount provided to the beneficiary, or a more complex arrangement with special provisions or deferred payments.
The downside of agreeing to structured settlement payments is the limitations and restrictions placed on the beneficiary. Once the court order agreement has been accepted, the terms cannot be changed at a future date. Because of that, it is imperative that the claimant uses the skills of a competent attorney to negotiate terms that meet his or her needs.
Selling the Structured Settlement
Once the beneficiary begins receiving structured settlement payments, he or she can sell the annuity for a lump sum cash amount. The agreement to sell the structured settlement can be designed to only sell a portion of the annuity and allow the beneficiary to continue to receive reduced monthly payments. This option is usually preferable to individuals that require more income than what is provided by the structured settlement.
Tags: cash for structured settlement, sell structured settlement, selling annuity
