Partial Disability Benefit Calculator (2025)
Estimate how much income you could receive from a partial disability benefit if you're able to work part-time or earn a reduced income after illness or injury.
Your normal monthly gross income
What you can earn while partially disabled
% of income replaced by policy
Benefit is based on % of income lost
Optional for total payout estimate
This tool estimates your partial disability benefit, which applies when you can still perform some work but lose part of your income. It uses your pre-disability and reduced income to determine your benefit based on the percentage of income lost, then applies your policy's coverage rate to estimate your payout.
Partial disability coverage helps bridge the gap between full income and reduced earnings. Unlike total disability coverage, it activates when you can still work in some capacity, for example, fewer hours or a lower-paying role. It's often included as a residual disability rider in long-term disability policies.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Proportionate Loss | Benefit is based on % of income lost (e.g., 60% coverage × 58% loss). |
| Residual Benefit | Pays a flat % benefit as long as income remains reduced. |
| Elimination Period | Waiting time before benefits start (usually 90 days). |
| Benefit Period | How long benefits can last (e.g., 12, 24 months, or to age 65). |
| Scenario | Pre-Income | Post-Income | Coverage % | Benefit | Total Income | % Replaced |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineer (partial hours) | $8,000 | $3,500 | 60% | $2,700 | $6,200 | 78% |
| Nurse (light duty) | $5,500 | $2,000 | 60% | $2,100 | $4,100 | 75% |
| Contractor (reduced work) | $7,000 | $1,500 | 60% | $3,300 | $4,800 | 69% |
Q1: What's the difference between total and partial disability benefits?
A: Total disability means you can't work at all; partial disability allows limited work with reduced income.
Q2: Can I receive both partial and total benefits?
A: No, policies typically transition from total to partial when you start returning to work.
Q3: Is my partial benefit taxable?
A: If you pay premiums with after-tax dollars, benefits are usually tax-free.
Q4: How long can I receive partial benefits?
A: It depends on your policy, usually until income returns to pre-disability levels or for the defined benefit period.