Income Benefit Rider in Term Insurance – A Detailed Guide

As you buy a term insurance plan, you will also be able to come across and include various riders. One of the most sought-after riders which also proves to be very beneficial for the family of the policyholder is the Income Benefit Rider. When you buy an Income Benefit Rider, and you pass away all of a sudden, your family will keep receiving installments, which may help them as regular income.

Highlights of Income Benefit Rider in Term Insurance

• As the policyholder dies within the term period, the dependents will get the death benefit in monthly installments
• The monthly installments are helpful for people who cannot manage the lump sum amount
• The rider is valid only for a particular period before it expires

Income Benefit Rider in Term Insurance – How does it work?

Income Benefit Rider, also sometimes called a family income policy is one of the riders in term insurance. This remains effective for a certain period. If you die within the term plan, the nominees are offered a death benefit. If you live throughout the period, the policy will terminate and you will not get any benefit. The death benefit upon the death of the rider is paid out periodically. While buying the policy, you will be able to choose the tenure of the plan and accordingly, the premium will be decided by the insurer.

When Should Income Benefit Rider to be Added to the Term Policy?

The best time to add this rider is the period when you buy the policy. In case, you could not add the rider while buying your term insurance policy, you can do it later. This will assure you that even if something unfortunate happens to you, the rider will help your family to carry on with the finances without compromising on anything.

What are the Documents Needed for Income Benefit Rider Claim?

Some of the documents that you would be required to submit for the Income Benefit Rider Claim are mentioned herein below:

• Policy Documents Original/Copy
• Medical Test Reports
• Policy Application Form Duly Filled
• Photo ID & Address Proof of Policyholder
• Attending Medical Practitioner’s Certificate
• Copy of policyholder’s bank statement/cancelled cheque
• Nominee’s Photo ID & Address Proof

What are the Exclusions in Income Benefit Rider?

Under the Income Benefit Rider, there are some exclusions, such as

• Drug Abuse/Overdose
• Hereditary Diseases
• Pre-existing Medical Condition
• Attempt to suicide or any kind of self-inflected injuries
• Participation in civil commotion, riots, war, or rebellion

4 Benefits of buying Income Benefit Rider

In case you are still confused if you should buy an Income Benefit Rider or not, here are some of its benefits that might convince you. Keep reading to understand these.

1. Income benefit

Upon an untimely demise of the policyholder, the nominees are provided payout in the form of regular installments. Also, this happens when the unfortunate incident takes place within the coverage period. The numbers of installments are pre-decided. This way, the family of the policyholder gets financial support during their challenging times. The Income Benefit Rider can act as a substitute for a monthly income for the family of the policyholder in his/her absence.

2. Financial stability

Financial stability is important for all of us. However, when the sole breadwinner of the family passes away all of a sudden, the family may face several financial hardships. This is when this term insurance rider helps as a monthly income. They will at least not have to worry about paying the bills. The policyholder can also rest assured that in their absence, their family will have financial stability.

3. No need for multiple policies

As you buy an Income Benefit Rider, you will not have to put your money into buying another policy. It will be effective as long as the term insurance policy is active.

4. Tax benefits

Under Section 80D, 80C, and Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act,1961, you can avail of tax benefits for the premiums you pay for the term plan and the rider. This means, along with the term insurance tax benefit, you will also get additional tax benefits on the rider.

To get the benefits and quick claims processing, you should only go for the best term insurance plan. To browse through some of the best term insurance policies in India, you can visit certain websites where you can find many term plans. You can take your time and compare the policies and then choose the one that suits your needs perfectly.