NFL Player Post-Career & Retirement Benefits:
NFL Player Tuition Assistance Plan
Credited Seasons Requirement: Active Players – Minimum of 1 Credited Season before the Semester begins in a Qualifying Status (Active, Inactive or Injured Reserve) for the regular season or postseason, or 3 games on Practice Squad in the season. Former Players – 2+ Credited Seasons, one of which was in 2020 or later, may be eligible for $25,000-$85,000 in total for covered reimbursements depending on their number of Credited Seasons.
Description: Eligible Players may be able to receive tuition reimbursement from a Trade schools (also known as technical or vocational schools) and approved Business Management programs. Former Players with two (2) or more Credited Seasons have 72 months (6 years) beginning the first year they are no longer under contract to take advantage of the NFL Tuition Assistance Plan. For more information on eligibility, accreditation, and application, please contact the Plan Administrator, Alight Solutions, at (800) 635-4625 prompt #1, or emailing NFLTuitionAssist@Alight.com.
NFL Player Severance Pay Plan
Credited Seasons Requirement: 2+ Credited Seasons.
Contact: NFL Customer Service Center - (800) 635-4625, prompt #1
Service Benefit: Paid out in lump sum approximately one year after contract is terminated. For eligibility & payout questions, please contact the NFL Customer Service Center at 800-635-4625, prompt #1.
NFL Annuity Program
Credited Seasons Requirement: 3+ Credited Seasons and a Credited Season in 1998 or after.
Contact: NFL Player Benefits - (800) 638-3186
Service Benefit: The Annuity Program is a retirement savings program where Clubs make contributions to a Vested Player's account(s) based on their Credited Seasons. Depending on the number of Credited Seasons, they may have two accounts designed to help save more for retirement. Annuity payouts accessible as early as 5 years after Player’s last Credited Season. For additional eligibility and payout information, please contact the NFL Player Benefits Office or go to: www.nflplayerbenefits.com.
Capital Accumulation Plan
Credited Seasons Requirement: 3+ Credited Seasons with at least 1 Credited Season in 2016 or after.
Contact: NFL Player Benefits - (800) 638-3186
Description: The NFL Player Capital Accumulation Plan (CAP) provides eligible players with additional retirement savings. Unlike the NFL Player Second Career Savings Plan (401(k) Savings Plan), in which you can deposit your own money, your Plan Account (CAP Account) receives money only from Club contributions. The contributions are invested until you take the money out. Accessible as early as age 40, if at least 5 years have passed since last Credited Season. Players may be able to withdraw earlier if their account balance is $5,000 or less. For more information on eligibility and payout information, please contact the NFL Player Benefits Office or go to www.nflplayerbenefits.com.
NFL Second Career Savings Plan – 401(k)
Credited Seasons Requirement: None.
Contact: NFL Player Benefits - (800) 638-3186
Service Benefit: Available to post-1993 players only and accessible at age 45. For additional eligibility and payout information, please contact the NFL Player Benefits Office or go to: www.nflplayerbenefits.com.
NFL Pension Plan
Credited Seasons Requirement: Vested Player, including a Player with 3+ Credited Seasons prior to 1993.
Contact: NFL Player Benefits- (800) 638-3186
Service Benefit: Pre-1993 may access Pension at age 45, and 1993 or later may access Pension at age 55. Players must begin receiving payments at age 65. For additional eligibility and payout information, please contact the NFL Player Benefits Office or go to: www.nflplayerbenefits.com.
Note: Former Players will no longer be eligible to apply for Disability Benefits once they elect their pension.
The Trust Scholarship Award Benefit
https://playerstrust.com/services/the-trust-scholarship-award-benefit
Eligibility: 2+ credited seasons and activated Trust benefit.
Contact: The Trust at (866) 725-0063
Description: The Trust awards scholarships to eligible Former Players so they may obtain degrees, certifications, and/or professional licenses at qualified educational institutions, including vocational and technical programs. For additional eligibility guidelines, application process, and application schedule, visit the website above or contact The Trust directly.