1. Introduction
MetLife has long been a trusted name in insurance and financial services. When it comes to structured settlements, they are a top choice due to their strong financial ratings and decades of experience. Whether you received a personal injury settlement or a workplace dispute payout, understanding how MetLife structured settlements work in 2025 can help you make informed decisions about long-term financial stability.
This guide breaks down everything from MetLife’s offerings and benefits to the risks, selling options, and legal requirements involved.
2. What Are Structured Settlements?
Structured settlements are financial arrangements where a claimant receives periodic payments over time instead of a lump sum, typically after a lawsuit or insurance claim. The payments are:
- Tax-free under IRS Section 104(a)(2)
- Guaranteed by a highly rated insurance provider
- Customizable to suit future needs
These settlements are commonly used in personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and employment claims.
3. MetLife’s Offerings: At a Glance
MetLife is a top-tier provider of structured settlements and has:
- Over 40 years of experience
- $22+ billion in annuities placed
- A+ to AA ratings from major credit agencies
They offer:
- Qualified structured settlements for physical injury cases
- Non-Qualified Assignments (NQA) for employment and taxable claims
- Flexible plans that can include:
- Lump sum plus periodic payments
- Lifetime income options
- Indexed or inflation-adjusted payments
4. Real-World Use Cases
Structured settlements are used across different situations:
- Personal injury: Long-term income for medical and living expenses
- Minors: Delayed payments until adulthood
- Disabled individuals: Lifelong support
- Employment disputes: Tax-deferral benefits under NQA
In a 2023 MetLife survey, 96% of attorneys favored structured settlements for employment-related cases.
5. Pros & Cons of Choosing MetLife
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong financial stability and ratings | Not easily modified once structured |
| Tax-free, court-approved settlements | Can be inflexible for future cash needs |
| Customizable payment schedules | Inflation risk without COLA option |
| Trusted brand with 40+ years in the market | Limited liquidity unless sold through secondary market |
6. Selling a MetLife Structured Settlement
Although MetLife provides fixed payments, recipients can choose to sell some or all of their future payments. This is governed by state Structured Settlement Protection Acts (SSPAs) and requires court approval.
Selling Process:
- Get a quote from 2-3 licensed factoring companies
- Submit paperwork and receive legal consultation
- Attend a court hearing (judge ensures it’s in your best interest)
- After approval, funds are disbursed within 30–45 days
Typical Discount Rates:
- Range from 9% to 18% based on:
- Payment schedule
- Creditworthiness of annuity issuer (MetLife ranks high)
- Legal complexity
7. Alternatives & Decision-Making Guide
Not sure if selling is right for you? Consider these options:
- Partial Sale: Only sell what you need now
- Personal Loan: May be cheaper than selling future income
- HELOC or Mortgage Refinance: If you own property
- Annuity Conversion: Restructure terms via provider (may have restrictions)
- Credit Counseling: Especially for debt-related hardship
Also compare MetLife with other top providers:
- New York Life
- Berkshire Hathaway
- Prudential
8. Case Studies & Customer Stories
“I structured my medical malpractice settlement with MetLife in 2015. The steady payments have covered my therapy bills and rent consistently.”
“Selling part of my MetLife settlement helped me fund my daughter’s college education. I used a court-approved buyer and got my cash in about six weeks.”
User experiences show how structured settlements can provide peace of mind or needed liquidity when planned correctly.
9. Legal & Regulatory Framework
Structured settlement sales are governed by:
- State Structured Settlement Protection Acts (SSPAs)
- Mandatory court approval
- A cooling-off period of 3–10 days in most states
- Licensing requirements for buyers in most jurisdictions
These laws ensure that sales are in the “best interest” of the seller and not exploitative.
10. How to Evaluate MetLife vs Others
| Feature | MetLife | New York Life | Prudential |
| Credit Rating | A+/AA | A++ | A+ |
| Experience | 40+ years | 100+ years | 140+ years |
| NQA Support | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Payment Options | High flexibility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Online Tools | Broker-dependent | Limited | Limited |
Choose based on financial rating, available payout structures, and NQA flexibility.
11. FAQs
Q: Are MetLife structured settlements taxable?
A: Not if they originate from physical injury claims. NQA-related settlements may be taxable.
Q: Can I sell my MetLife payments?
A: Yes, but only through court approval and compliant buyers.
Q: What happens if I pass away before all payments are made?
A: Payments may transfer to your estate or beneficiary, depending on the contract.
Q: How long does the sale process take?
A: Typically 30–60 days post-court approval.
12. Conclusion & Next Steps
MetLife is a leading provider for structured settlements in 2025, offering reliability, tax advantages, and flexible options. Whether you’re considering establishing a new structure or selling your existing payments, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights, financial needs, and long-term goals.
Next Steps:
- Talk to a licensed financial or legal advisor
- Compare quotes from structured settlement buyers
- Use this guide to assess if MetLife is the right fit for your future