Under a disability income policy, what is partial disability?

Why A is correct

Partial disability is a degree of incapacity between full recovery and total disability: the insured can perform some of their job duties or work at reduced income. Policies commonly pay a reduced benefit during partial disability, often a percentage of the total disability benefit proportional to the income lost. This contrasts with total disability, which pays the full monthly benefit. Partial disability provisions, and the related residual disability rider, encourage a return to work by replacing part of the income shortfall rather than requiring total incapacity before any benefit is paid.

Why the other options are wrong

• B) Inability to perform any occupation describes total disability under an any-occupation standard. Partial disability is a lesser degree of incapacity in which the insured retains some work capacity and receives a reduced benefit.
• C) Bedridden confinement is an extremely narrow, largely outdated test of disability. Partial disability is defined by diminished capacity to perform occupational duties or earn income, not by being confined to bed.
• D) Full recovery ends the disability and any continuing benefits. Partial disability means the insured has not fully recovered but can do some work, which is why a reduced benefit is paid.

Memory hook

Partial disability = can do some work, get a reduced check.