You won your case. The settlement has been agreed to, the papers have been signed, and you should be feeling relief. Instead, you are waiting — sometimes for weeks or months — for the money to actually reach your bank account. Post-settlement funding exists to bridge that gap.
What Is Post-Settlement Funding?
Post-settlement funding is a cash advance provided after your case has settled but before the settlement funds have been disbursed. Unlike pre-settlement funding, which is based on the projected outcome of a pending case, post-settlement funding is based on a confirmed settlement amount that has already been agreed upon.
Because the outcome of the case is already known, post-settlement funding typically involves less risk for the funding company and can often be processed faster. You already know how much you are receiving — the only question is when.
Why Settlement Checks Take So Long
Several factors can delay settlement disbursement. Insurance companies may take weeks to issue the check after a settlement agreement is reached. Once received, your attorney must deposit the check, wait for it to clear, resolve any outstanding medical liens or subrogation claims, calculate attorney fees and case expenses, and then distribute the remaining funds.
This process routinely takes 30 to 90 days, and in complex cases with multiple lien holders or disputed medical charges, it can stretch even longer. During that time, you are stuck waiting despite having already resolved your case.
Who Qualifies for Post-Settlement Funding?
Qualification for post-settlement funding is straightforward. You need a confirmed settlement agreement, an attorney handling the disbursement, and documentation that the case has been resolved. Because the settlement amount is already determined, the underwriting process is simpler and faster than pre-settlement funding.
Frontier funds post-settlement advances in most civil case types, including personal injury, auto accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and commercial litigation.
How the Process Works
The process is simple. You [apply online](/apply) or call (855) 385-FUND. Our team contacts your attorney to verify the settlement details, confirm the expected disbursement timeline, and determine the advance amount. Once everything is verified, funds are typically deposited into your account within 24 to 48 hours.
When your settlement check arrives and your attorney distributes funds, the advance plus the agreed-upon fee is deducted from your share of the proceeds.
Pre-Settlement vs. Post-Settlement Funding
The key differences between pre-settlement and post-settlement funding come down to risk and certainty.
Pre-settlement funding is provided while your case is still pending. There is no guarantee of outcome, which means the funding is [non-recourse](/blog/what-is-non-recourse-funding) — if you lose, you owe nothing. Post-settlement funding is provided after the outcome is known. The settlement amount is confirmed, so the primary variable is timing rather than outcome.
Because of the reduced uncertainty, post-settlement funding may offer more favorable terms. However, both types of funding share the core benefit of providing immediate cash when you need it most.
Common Reasons for Post-Settlement Delays
Understanding why delays happen can help set expectations. The most common reasons include insurance company processing timelines, lien resolution with medical providers or health insurers, government lien negotiations such as Medicare or Medicaid, disputes over case costs or fee calculations, and multi-party settlements requiring coordination.
Your attorney manages these issues, but they can extend the wait significantly. Post-settlement funding ensures you are not financially stranded during this process.
When Post-Settlement Funding Makes Sense
Post-settlement funding is particularly valuable when you have bills that cannot wait another 60 or 90 days, when you need to cover rent, mortgage, or essential living expenses, when medical providers are pressing for payment, or when you simply want access to money that is already yours but has not yet been disbursed.
The cost of post-settlement funding is typically modest relative to the settlement amount, and for many plaintiffs, the financial relief of receiving funds now far outweighs waiting months for the full disbursement.
Get Funded After Your Settlement
If your case has settled and you are waiting for disbursement, Frontier Legal Funding can help. Apply online at [frontierlegalfunding.com/apply](/apply) or call (855) 385-FUND to discuss your post-settlement funding options. Most post-settlement advances are processed within 24 to 48 hours.