Editing Disability Income Protection (section)

== 🛠️ How Disability Income Protection Works ==

=== 1. You Apply for Coverage ===

* You choose a '''monthly benefit amount''' (usually 50–70% of your income).
* You select your '''elimination period''' (waiting time before benefits start, e.g., 30, 60, or 90 days).
* You choose your '''benefit period''' (how long you'll receive payments — 2 years, 5 years, until age 65, etc.).
* You complete a health and income underwriting process.

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=== 2. You Pay Monthly Premiums ===

* Premiums depend on your '''age, health, job risk level, and benefit amount'''.
* Think of this like “income insurance” — you pay to protect your paycheck.

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=== 3. You Become Disabled ===

* You suffer an '''illness or injury''' that prevents you from working (e.g., back injury, cancer, car accident).
* Your doctor provides documentation that confirms you can’t perform your job duties.

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=== 4. Elimination Period Begins ===

* This is your '''waiting period''' before benefits kick in (e.g., 90 days from the start of your disability).
* During this time, you may rely on savings, sick leave, or short-term coverage.

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=== 5. You Start Receiving Benefits ===

* After the elimination period, you start receiving '''monthly tax-free income'''.
* The benefit continues '''until you recover''', reach the '''end of the benefit period''', or turn '''65–70''' (depending on the policy).

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=== 6. Returning to Work or Policy Ends ===

* If you '''return to work full-time''', benefits stop.
* Some policies offer '''partial benefits''' if you return part-time or at a reduced income.
* If your disability continues beyond your benefit period, your policy ends.

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