Living Benefits

What living benefits are

"Living benefits" are features built into some life insurance policies that let you access part of the death benefit while you're still alive — usually if you experience a serious illness or condition. Instead of only paying out after you pass away, these policies can provide financial help during some of life's hardest moments.

How they work

If a qualifying condition happens, you may be able to receive a portion of the death benefit early. The money can be used for medical bills, lost income, home changes, or whatever your family needs most. Any amount you access early is typically subtracted from what the policy pays out later.

Examples of qualifying conditions

Depending on the policy, living benefits may apply to things like:

• Critical illness — such as a heart attack, stroke, or certain cancers.
• Chronic illness — when you can no longer manage basic daily activities on your own.
• Terminal illness — when a doctor certifies a limited life expectancy.

The exact conditions depend on the policy and the carrier, so the details always matter.

Why living benefits matter

A serious illness can affect more than your health — it can affect your income, your savings, and your family's stability. Living benefits can turn a life insurance policy into something that's there for you during a crisis, not just after you're gone.

A few things to know

• Living benefits vary by carrier and policy. They're not automatic and they're not in every policy.
• Some policies include them at no extra cost; others offer them as a paid add-on (often called an "accelerated death benefit rider").
• The rules for qualifying, and how much you can access, depend on the specific policy.

Want to explore policies with living benefits?

Start your application through our secure quoter, or reach out and we'll look at options that include living benefits.