Provisions that may let you use part of your policy while you are still here.
The basic idea
An accelerated benefit rider allows a portion of the death benefit to be paid earlier if a qualifying condition defined in the policy occurs — often described as critical, chronic or terminal.
The intent is to provide money at the moment income usually stops and expenses climb.
What to ask before you apply
Which riders are included at no additional cost, and which are optional? How does the policy define a qualifying event? How is the available amount determined?
These answers vary meaningfully between insurance companies, and they are the difference between a rider that helps and one that rarely applies.
What they are not
Living benefits are not health insurance, disability insurance or long-term care insurance. They do not replace those coverages.
Accessing a benefit early generally reduces what a beneficiary later receives and may carry tax or public-benefit consequences worth discussing with a qualified professional.
This article is general education, not insurance, tax or legal advice. Policy features, riders and availability vary by state and insurance company, and the actual policy documents govern all coverage.