What Are Own-Occupation and Any-Occupation Standards for Disability?

Insurers have own-occupation and any-occupation standards when determining whether you are eligible for disability benefits.

• Own Occupation: This means that you are unable to perform the duties of your own job, even if your disability allows you to work a different job.
• Any Occupation: This means that you are unable to perform the duties of any occupation based on your experience and training.

Own-occupation standards tend to be more favorable for those who are insured.

Policies and standards differ, and some policies use a hybrid approach. That means the own-occupation standard may only apply for the first 24 months before shifting to the any-occupation standard.

It’s important for an Alabama disability attorney to note these standards when assessing a client’s health condition and the justification for a claim denial.