Structured settlements are a way for a person, company or insurance provider to pay out awards won in a lawsuit over a period of time. This is usually done on a bi-monthly or yearly schedule. This prevents large losses due to the results of a lawsuit again that person, company or insurance provider.

If you do have a structured settlement you can opt to get a large sum payment; this is called a settlement loan. This is when a provider buys out your remaining structured settlement payments for one large sum. You can also get pre-settlement loans before a lawsuit case has even reached a verdict. You should know the disadvantages before deciding if it's right for you.

The main downside is taxes. The money that you would receive from the provider is considered taxable. You would have to pay applicable taxes at the current state and federal rate for that calendar year. You'll also be responsible for self employment tax; this is the tax self employed individuals pay since they are not getting social security and Medicare withheld from their income. You should be aware of all tax responsibilities behind your settlement loan before making any decisions. I'd suggest speaking with a financial adviser that has worked with settlement loans in the past.

Another downside is the loss of money in your total structured settlement. The settlement loan provider will get a portion of the total amount owed over the structured settlements duration. This is different between settlement loan providers and private settlement loan investors. Usually, you can expect them to absorb 20% to 40% of the value of the entire structured settlement or on top of the settlement loan itself. You should make sure it's worth the cost before taking it out in the first place.

Reviewing this few disadvantages of a structured settlement loan it should be noted there are many advantages. First, if you're getting a pre-settlement loan you're not responsible to pay the loan back if you lose your case. Second, if your structured settlement is bought out to protect assets such as a car or home it can out weight the costs of the loan itself. Either way, neither of them require any specific income or credit history; making these available to anyone with a pending lawsuit or structured settlement.

If you have been awarded a structured settlement payment and have some input in how the payment schedule will be structured, here are some tips to help you make intelligent suggestions that are in your best interests.

One of the key factors in how frequently you would like to receive a payment from the structured settlement has to do with what the money needs to cover. As an example, if you are receiving compensation because of an accident where you were injured, you may need those payments to be set up on a monthly basis. The idea is that you may have medical bills or require some sort of ongoing treatments or home care that will need to be paid from the settlement. If this is an accurate picture of your situation, then ask for monthly payments that will cover your expenses related to the accident.

For situations where your settlement is taking place because of some sort of civil matter you have won, you may want to ask for payments from the structured settlement that occur on a semiannual or annual basis. The idea here is that you do not need the money in order to meet medical costs or even to take care of your usual household operations. However, you can take the larger payment and invest it in some manner. Rolling over the larger structured settlement payment into an IRA or other program may protect you from having to pay taxes until you actually begin to withdraw the funds. If you do not need the money from the settlement to take care of ongoing expenses, then get a larger payment less frequently and invest it in your future.

Your circumstances dictate how often it would be helpful to receive a structured settlement payment. Look closely at your needs and make sure that you understand which if the payment and investment options would do for you, and when you would reap the most benefits. At the same time, keep in mind what you need today as well as what you may need in the coming years, taking into consideration other income sources you have available to meet those needs. The point is to be well informed not only of your options, but how you can use the resources to best advantage. Once you are armed with a thorough understanding of what is in your best interests, ask for payment terms that will reap the most benefits for you both now and in the long run.