The longer the benefit period you choose the more financial cushion you will have in the event of a disability. The ability to customize a disability plan gives you a lot of flexibility in the premiums you will pay for your disability policy. Do not over load yourself with a disability policy that has too many benefits, which you will be tempted to drop later because of the expense. Instead, customize a plan that is affordable and sensible to your financial needs. You can always make adjustments later.
Every insurance company has a different definition of a disability.
With some policies you must be disabled from performing all income producing duties. Other policies define disability as the inability to perform the job in which you are trained. It is important to understand your policy definition of disability. If you have questions, don t be afraid to ask.