NFLPlayersettlement.com works with retired players to help them understand the programs and services they have available. Options include federal programs, collective-bargaining agreements, and legal settlements. Each has its own qualifications and its own forms. Some of the benefits available to retired NFL players include:
- Line-of-Duty Benefits (“LOD”) for substantial disablement arising from NFL activities. Benefits can be up to $3,500 per month for no longer than 90 months.
- Neurocognitive Disability Benefits (“NCD”) for acquired mild or moderate neurocognitive impairments. Benefits are up to $4,500 per month for no more than 15 years.
- Total and Permanent Disability Benefits (“T&P”) for being substantially unable to perform any type of paid work. Benefits can range up to $22,000 per month for life.
- Social Security Disability for a medical condition that’s expected to last at least one year or result in death. The maximum benefit is nearly $2800 per month.
- “Mackey 88 Plan” for medical and custodial care resulting from dementia, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Benefits are up to the cost of assisted living provided in a facility of your choice.
- NFL “Concussion Settlement” for brain injuries resulting from NFL play. Benefits can reach $5 million. (Application deadline was August 7, 2017.)
- Joint Replacement Program for a knee, hip, or shoulder replacements. Benefits are payable up to $5,250.
- Bert Bell/Pete Rozelle Pension Plan for retired players with as little as 3 seasons of play. Benefits can be as high as $470 per month for each year of NFL play.
This is just an overview. Each of these plans and benefits has its own limitations and qualifications.
NFL Former Player Benefits
NFL/NFLPA
- NFL Player Disability Plan
+ Provides Line of Duty (partial) and Total and Permanent disability benefits
+ Legacy Benefit
+ Pension benefit provided for players who played prior to 1993
- 88 Benefit
+ Benefits for players with dementia, ALS or Parkinson’s disease
+ Neuro-Cognitive Disability Benefit
+ Benefit for players who show neurocognitive impairment
+ Former Player Life Improvement Plan
+ Joint Replacement Benefits
+ Spine Treatment Benefit
+ Specialized spine evaluation and treatment at top-tier hospitals
+ Neurological Benefit
+ Specialized neurological evaluation and treatment at top-tier hospitals
HEALTHCARE BENEFITS
Former players have access to a variety of programs and resources through the Former Player Life Improvement Plan, including:
- Neurological Care Program: Provides retired players with access to comprehensive evaluations and treatment at six participating medical centers across the nation.
- Spine Treatment Program: Makes spine specialists available at five hospitals across the country to evaluate and treat spine-related conditions among retired players.
- Joint Replacement Program: Provides reimbursement for joint replacement surgeries and offers VIP treatment at select locations.
- Prescription Drug Card Program: Free prescription card allows retired players who are not receiving coverage under the NFL Player Insurance Plan to receive discounts on prescription drugs at more than 57,000 pharmacies in the U.S.
- Medicare Supplement Program: Pays $120 a month toward the premium for coverage under a Medicare supplemental insurance program.
- Priority Access to Assisted Living Facilities: Special discounts and priority access to designated senior and assisted living facilities across the country.
- Vested Inactive Life Insurance: Provides life insurance benefits to all vested, inactive players who have not yet reached age 55 and have not yet retired under the Bert Bell/Pete Rozelle NFL Player Retirement Plan.
Eligibility requirements vary for each benefit. Learn more about the Former Player Life Improvement Plan and requirements for participation by calling the NFL Retired Player Customer Care Center at (800) 635-4625.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- Bert Bell/Pete Rozelle NFL Player Retirement Plan: Provides eligible NFL players with disability benefits, pensions, and survivor benefits for their families. To learn more and obtain forms for the plan, call the Player Benefits Administration Office at (800) 638-3186.
- 88 Plan: Provides financial reimbursement for care costs of vested players who diagnoses of dementia, ALS, or Parkinson’s disease. To learn more and obtain forms for the 88 Plan, call the Player Benefits Administration Office at (800) 638-3186.
- Long-Term Care Insurance: Covers assistance provided to a person who has a severe cognitive impairment requiring continual supervision or is unable to perform the activities of daily living. Coverage for spouses of former players is also available. For more information, you or a family member should speak to a Transamerica representative at 866-478-5209.
