For a substandard structured settlement annuity (SSSA), developing a mortality assumption from experience study data presents an interesting challenge. Three major basic methods have been used in academic studies for an SSSA, but they fail to accurately predict future mortality. We conclude the modified log-linear declining (LLD) method is best, and present our analysis as follows: 

• Structured settlement annuities
• The challenge of SSSA mortality 
• Three basic methods for inferring mortality rates 
• Comparison of survival functions, reserves, and mortality rates 
• Evaluating basic methods with actual policy data
• Overview of modified methods
• Evaluating modified methods with actual policy data