§1948 Total Disability Provision

Summary

Adds a monthly disability benefit to U.S. Government life insurance that pays $5.75 for each $1,000 of coverage when the insured is totally disabled by disease or injury for four straight months before turning 65 and before any premium is missed. Payments start on the first day of the fifth consecutive month and continue monthly while the total disability lasts. These payments are not reduced if the insured also gets permanent and total disability payments, and they can be paid together with or separately from those benefits. While totally disabled, the insured does not have to pay the life insurance premium or the premium for these disability benefits. You must apply, pay the required premium, and show proof of good health acceptable to the Secretary to add this benefit. Benefit amounts are in $500 steps, at least $1,000 and not more than your coverage when you apply. The Secretary sets the monthly premium for the benefit, which must be paid until age 65 or until the policy ends, under the same terms as the regular monthly premium. The insurer will recheck disability status; if you are found not totally disabled, payments and premium waivers stop and the policy can continue if you resume paying premiums. Dividends or settlement amounts are not reduced because of these disability payments.