Yes, with the Accelerated Death Benefit Option, if you become terminally ill, you may elect to receive 75% of your life insurance coverage while you are still living. The money can be used for any purpose such as medical bills, outstanding debts or mortgage payments. This option will reduce your death benefit by 75%. To be eligible for this option, you must be diagnosed with a fatal illness and given 6 months or less to live.
The Accelerated Death Benefit option is a feature that is made available to group life insurance participants. It is not a health, nursing home, or long-term care insurance benefit and is not designed to eliminate the need for those types of insurance coverage. The death benefit is reduced by the amount of the accelerated death benefit paid. There is no administrative fee to accelerate benefits. Receipt of accelerated death benefits may affect eligibility for public assistance and may be taxable. The federal income tax treatment of payments made under this rider depends upon whether the insured is the recipient of the benefits and is considered terminally ill. You may wish to seek professional tax advice before exercising this option.