01 / THE SETTLEMENT TODAY
A lasting program.
Individual requirements.
The NFL Concussion Settlement provides benefits to eligible retired players with specified neurological diagnoses. Approved in 2015 and effective in 2017, its monetary award fund is uncapped over the program’s 65-year term. That does not mean every former player qualifies or that a claim can be filed without a deadline.
02 / WHO MAY QUALIFY
Start with playing history
and registration.
The class generally covers players on a qualifying roster before July 7, 2014 who were no longer under contract on or after that date. Covered leagues include the NFL, AFL, World League of American Football, NFL Europe and NFL Europa. Authorized representatives and qualifying derivative claimants have separate requirements.
The original player registration deadline was August 7, 2017. Late registration requires a showing of good cause; it is not automatically available. Registration also does not itself submit a monetary award claim.
Our focus on Polynesian players and families reflects whom we serve. The settlement’s eligibility rules apply regardless of heritage.
03 / 2026 POTENTIAL AWARDS
Know what the numbers
actually mean.
The official grid effective January 13, 2026 includes inflation adjustments. These are the highest base amounts, using the under-45 age row, before eligible-season reductions, offsets, liens, fees and costs. They are not promised recoveries.
| Qualifying diagnosis | Potential base award |
|---|---|
| ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) | $6,103,448 |
| Death with CTE* | $4,882,758 |
| Parkinson’s disease | $4,272,413 |
| Alzheimer’s disease | $4,272,413 |
| Level 2 neurocognitive impairment | $3,662,069 |
| Level 1.5 neurocognitive impairment | $1,831,034 |
Age and credited eligible seasons matter. Fewer than five eligible seasons reduces the base amount. Other adjustments may include certain non-football strokes or traumatic brain injuries, BAP nonparticipation, derivative claims, valid liens and the common-benefit assessment. Attorney fees and costs also affect net proceeds.
*Death with CTE: a historical category
This category generally requires death before April 22, 2015 and a qualifying post-mortem diagnosis by the applicable cutoff. A special 270-day diagnosis rule applies to certain deaths between July 7, 2014 and April 22, 2015. Its original claim deadline has passed. It is not an open-ended benefit for every later CTE diagnosis.
04 / MEDICAL EVALUATIONS
The right evaluation.
The right documentation.
The Baseline Assessment Program (BAP) offers eligible players neurological and neuropsychological evaluations. A general medical diagnosis alone does not establish entitlement to a settlement award; the program’s diagnostic and physician requirements apply.
A scheduling date to discuss now
The BAP administrator asks players to request appointments by December 31, 2026. Initial and Expanded BAP exams must be attended by June 7, 2027; individual eligibility and earlier deadlines still matter. Supplemental benefits have separate timing rules. Contact the administrator to confirm your situation.
For a new Level 1.5 or Level 2 diagnosis, the appropriate path may be a Qualified BAP Provider or Qualified MAF Physician. New ALS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s qualifying diagnoses require a Qualified MAF Physician. Provide complete, truthful information and let the clinician exercise independent medical judgment.
05 / PREPARING A CLAIM
Get organized.
Protect your deadlines.
- Confirm your program status. Locate your registration decision, program ID and any prior determinations.
- Review the diagnosis date. For diagnoses after February 6, 2017, claims generally must be submitted within two years. Earlier diagnoses had a February 6, 2019 deadline. Substantial-hardship relief requires approval.
- Gather the claim package. Collect the claim form, correct HIPAA authorization, physician certification and supporting records. Include evidence supporting any requested eligible-season correction.
- Submit through the official process. Keep copies and submission confirmations; track requests for additional information.
For your first conversation with our team, have your playing dates, registration status and any recent notice available. Do not upload medical records or Social Security numbers to the general intake form.
06 / DELAYS & APPEALS
A notice needs
a considered response.
A request for documents, an audit and a denial are different stages. Read the stated reason, preserve the full notice and identify the response deadline. An audit may involve verification of records and does not by itself establish wrongdoing.
If a claim is denied, counsel can evaluate the applicable appeal procedure, supporting evidence, fees and deadline. Neither approval nor a successful appeal is guaranteed.
Changes to race-based testing adjustments
The settlement adopted a process to eliminate race as a factor in neuropsychological testing, with court-approved implementation in March 2022. Some players may have options under those rules. A prior denial is not automatically reversed; review the specific notice and available process.
07 / COMMON QUESTIONS
Answers for
the whole family.
YOUR NEXT CHAPTER
Let’s talk about
where you stand.
Bring your questions. Bring someone you trust. We’ll help you understand the next step.
Request a free case reviewAdditional official information
For the full settlement documents, program forms and additional information prepared by the settlement administrator:
Visit the official NFL Concussion Settlement website ↗ (opens in a new tab)General information, not legal or medical advice. The settlement agreement, court orders and official notices control. Award figures and program rules may change. No outcome is guaranteed. This guide and the intake form do not create an attorney-client relationship or protect a deadline.