§1948 Total disability provision

Summary

The Secretary must offer an optional disability benefit for United States Government life insurance. If an insured person becomes totally disabled from disease or injury for four straight months before turning 65 and before missing any premium, they get $5.75 each month for every $1,000 of insurance in force when the benefit starts. Payments begin on the first day of the fifth month and continue monthly while the person stays totally disabled. These payments can happen together with, or apart from, any permanent and total disability payments and do not reduce dividends or settlement amounts. While totally disabled, the insured does not have to pay premiums for the life insurance or for these disability benefits. The government can recheck disability; if the person is no longer totally disabled, the payments and premium waiver stop and normal premiums must be paid to keep the policy. To add this option, the insured must apply, pay the required premium, and show proof of good health. Benefits are sold in $500 steps, at least $1,000 and not more than the insurance in force. The Secretary sets the monthly premium for this option, payable until age 65 or until the policy ends, under the same rules as the regular premium.