Such a plan may provide for other payout forms, such as a lump sum, and generally provide benefits to a participant's surviving spouse. Defined-contribution, or individual account, plans promise to pay exactly the amount of the account. They generally pay in a single lump sum, although many provide other options. Any amount remaining in the account at the participant's death may be payable to a surviving spouse. Many plans consider you fully vested in all employer contributions if you become disabled while a participant.
Some plans provide for continued benefits to or contributions on behalf of disabled employees.
Most employers provide health and medical benefits to their employees, with the cost shared between the two. The high cost of medical care may make this one of your most important benefits. However, often the continuation is limited to a specified period, such as one year following the end of active employment. You may have to continue paying the premium you were paying as an active employee. Both before and after you leave employment due to disability, the medical plan may deny coverage for certain drugs, services or treatments.