Accelerated Access Chronic Illness Rider
The Accelerated Access Chronic Illness Protection Rider may allow you to access a portion of your life insurance benefits while you're still living if you are diagnosed with a qualifying chronic illness.
This rider combines the protection of life insurance with the flexibility to provide financial support during a qualifying chronic illness. Depending on the policy, funds may help with long-term care, medical expenses, caregiver costs, home modifications, transportation, everyday living expenses, or other needs.
Key Features
Customizable Benefit Amount — Depending on the policy, you may be able to accelerate 50%–100% of your policy's death benefit, subject to applicable limits and policy terms.
Multiple Payout Options — Depending on the policy, you may be able to select from several payout options when the policy is purchased:
- 2% Monthly — 2% of the available rider benefit paid monthly.
- 4% Monthly — 4% of the available rider benefit paid monthly.
- IRS Maximum Per Diem — Up to $430 per day for 2026, subject to the applicable IRS limits and annual adjustments.
- Lump Sum — A one-time payment may be available at the time of claim, subject to an actuarial discount and policy provisions.
Waiver of Monthly Deductions — Certain policies may waive applicable monthly policy deductions while you are receiving rider benefits.
Care Coordination Services — Some policies may provide optional support to help you navigate care needs and the claims process.
Remaining Death Benefit — Any portion of the death benefit that is not accelerated may remain available to your beneficiaries, subject to the policy's terms.
How the Accelerated Access Rider Works
Step 1 — Add the Rider
The rider must generally be added to the policy at the time of purchase. Rider costs, benefit amounts, and eligibility requirements vary based on the insurance carrier, policy, underwriting, and selected benefit options.
Step 2 — Qualify for Benefits
To qualify for benefits under the Accelerated Access Rider, you must be certified by a licensed healthcare practitioner as being unable to perform at least 2 of the 6 Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)—bathing, eating, dressing, maintaining continence, toileting, or transferring—for the required qualifying period, or having a qualifying severe cognitive impairment requiring substantial supervision.
Step 3 — Receive Your Benefits
Once your claim is approved, benefits are paid according to the payout option selected when the policy was purchased. Depending on the policy, benefits may be paid monthly or as a lump sum.
Benefits may be income-tax-free under applicable tax law and are subject to IRS limits and the specific terms of the rider.
Step 4 — Use the Benefits
Depending on the rider and policy, funds may generally be used for a wide range of needs, including:
- Medical Care — Adult daycare, assisted living, nursing care, prescription medications, and other qualified needs.
- Lifestyle Needs — Transportation, home maintenance, and other everyday expenses.
- Support for Loved Ones — Helping compensate family members or others who assist with your care.
- Home Modifications — Ramps, walk-in showers, accessibility improvements, and other home modifications.
Why the Accelerated Access Rider Can Matter
- Financial Flexibility — Benefits may be used for a variety of needs.
- Added Protection — Helps provide financial resources during a qualifying chronic illness.
- Living Support — Your life insurance can potentially provide financial support while you're still living.
- Beneficiary Protection — Any remaining death benefit may continue to provide protection for your beneficiaries.
Accelerating benefits reduces the policy's remaining death benefit and may affect cash value and other policy features.
