§1948 Total Disability Provision

Summary

The Secretary must add an optional disability benefit to United States Government life insurance. If an insured is totally disabled by disease or injury for four consecutive months or more, and this happens before reaching the age of sixty‑five years and before any premium is missed, the insured will get $5.75 each month for every $1,000 of insurance in force when disability payments start. Payments begin on the first day of the fifth consecutive month and continue monthly while the total disability lasts. These monthly payments can be paid at the same time as, and will not be reduced by, any permanent and total disability benefits under the policy. While totally disabled, the insured does not have to pay life insurance or disability premiums. The Secretary can order medical rechecks; if the person is no longer totally disabled, the waiver and payments stop and the policy can be kept by paying premiums again. Dividends and settlement amounts are not cut because of these payments. The option is not automatic: the insured must apply, pay the premium, and show proof of good health acceptable to the Secretary. Benefits are in $500 steps, at least $1,000 and no more than the insurance in force at application. The Secretary sets the monthly premium for this option, and that premium must be paid until the insured reaches sixty‑five years or the policy matures, under the same terms as the regular monthly premium.