Trustpilot ★★★★★ 4.9/5 ✓ Featured on PBS ✓ CA Licensed Lender
Back to Blog

What is an Accelerated Death Benefit for Terminal Illness Rider

What is an Accelerated Death Benefit for Terminal Illness Rider

An accelerated death benefit generally enables policyholders who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness to draw cash advances against the value of the death benefit.

There are several common types of death benefit riders. The purpose of death benefit riders is to give an individual access to the cash value of his or her insurance plan while he or she is still alive. Another option is the enhanced death benefit, which pays out the highest investment gain the policy attained, even if the market value is less. Those with a variable annuity death benefit may be able to attach riders to enable cash advances and a payout that is higher than the minimum.

 Pros and Cons of Death Benefit Riders

Life insurance is traditionally understood as helping people plan and prepare for the end of their lives. Many policyholders aim to use the amount of their plan to help beneficiaries pay for things like funeral costs, to settle final arrangements or to help reduce debt once they have passed. However, after a lifelong investment, they should be able to use the value whenever they need it and, that’s where a death benefit rider may come in. People with a terminal illness may be able to convert their life insurance policy to cash.
Death benefit riders can help policyholders customize a plan that makes sense for them; however, there are some factors to consider. Riders do increase the cost of a plan, which could be a serious consideration for some individuals. Plans that enable policyholders to draw on the value while they’re still alive also come with some drawbacks, such as stringent requirements for proving a terminal illness.

Your Death Benefit & Life Credit’s Living Benefit Loan

Life Credit’s Living Benefit Loan program dispenses up to 50 percent of a person’s death benefit if he or she holds at least $100,000 of life insurance coverage. The program allows those facing cancer or another serious medical condition to access their own investment without having to have a terminal prognosis. Getting on firm financial footing is the first step to improving mental and physical wellness—and ultimately can lead to a longer and healthier life.

Ask Life Credit about how to qualify for a Living Benefit Loan! Call us at 888-274-1777 or contact us online today.

📚 Related Guides

Back to Blog

Your Life Insurance Options

If you or a loved one is facing a serious illness, your life insurance policy may provide financial relief beyond its traditional purpose. A Living Benefit Loan lets you borrow up to 50% of the death benefit in as few as 3 business days — no credit check, no monthly payments.

Compare All Financial Options

Beyond life insurance loans, consider:

See the full options comparison →

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast can I get money from my life insurance?

A Living Benefit Loan from Life Credit funds in as few as 3 business days. No credit check required.

Do I need to give up my life insurance policy?

No. A Living Benefit Loan lets you borrow against the death benefit while keeping your policy and beneficiary protection.

What's the minimum policy size?

$75,000 death benefit. Any policy type qualifies: term, whole, universal, group, or FEGLI.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

No credit check. No monthly payments. Funding in as few as 3 business days.

Get Started Free Call 1-888-274-1777

Need Financial Help?

Life Credit provides Living Benefit Loans for cancer patients and seriously ill individuals. No payments. No credit checks. Approved in 3 days.