Maximum and minimum benefits: under the Relation of Earnings to Insurance provision, if total promised benefits exceed the insured's earnings, this policy pays only its share. Earnings means the greater of earnings when disability began or the two-year average. The provision cannot cut total benefits below the lesser of $200 or the sum of the monthly benefits specified, and excess premium is returned. Example: $8,000 a month promised in total, earnings of $6,000, so this $4,000 policy pays 6,000/8,000, or $3,000.

Benefit period: how long benefits can continue.

Notice of claim: written notice is due within 20 days after the loss begins, or as soon after that as reasonably possible. Notice given by or for the insured to the insurer or any authorized agent, with enough information to identify the insured, counts as notice to the insurer.

Automatic increase provision: raises the benefit on a schedule before a claim.

Future purchase provision (option): lets the insured buy more benefit at set dates, typically with proof of income but no medical evidence. It protects insurability.

Cost of living rider: adjusts the benefit for inflation during a claim, to keep its buying power.

Social insurance substitute (or supplement) rider: because Social Security's definition is strict, many disabled people are denied. This rider pays when social insurance benefits are not being paid, and its payment is reduced or stops when social benefits start.

Benefit integration: the policy benefit is reduced by other income sources, such as Social Security, so total income stays controlled.

Residual disability: pays based on lost income, so the insured can qualify while working full time. Example: a $5,000 benefit, and earnings fall from $10,000 to $6,000, a 40% loss, so the benefit is 40% of $5,000, or $2,000.

Recurring disability: if the same condition returns within the period stated in the policy, it is treated as a continuation of the earlier disability, so no new elimination period applies.

Rehabilitation benefit: encourages and supports a return to work.

Transplant benefit: can treat disability from surgery to donate a part of the insured's body to another person as covered. Terms vary by insurer.