Benefit amount is the portion of your salary covered by your particular policy.  Generally, you'll find coverage available for between 45 percent and 75 percent of your salary, with some restrictions in place for salaries over $100,000.

Benefit period  is the length of time you will receive payments from your insurance company and will vary based on your policy.  Generally, you can choose from six months, one, two, five and 10 years, or to age 65.

Elimination period, or waiting period, is the amount of time between the beginning of the disability and the time candidates who qualified to begin receiving benefits.  Generally you can choose from 30, 60, 90, or 180 days.  Under some conditions, longer elimination periods may be available.

Own occupation, or "own OCC", is a feature built into the definition of total disability.  The ability to perform specific activities related to your occupation is an important consideration.  You should know the definition of total disability in the policy you are considering.

Guaranteed renewable policies mean the policyholder has the right to renew the policy through certain age (generally 65) by paying his/her  premiums on time.  The insurer cannot cancel the policy or change the policy benefits during the guaranteed renewable.  However, the insurer  does retain the right to change premiums in a given rating class if it does so for all policyholders in that class.

Non-cancelable policies mean the policyholder has the right to renew his/her policy every year, usually until age 65.  During the non-cancelable period, the insurer cannot cancel the policy or change the policy benefits.  Further, the premiums cannot be increased

Riders are additional benefits that you can purchase with your policy.

	Guaranteed Insurability Option Rider says he/she can purchase additional disability income insurance without proof of medical insurability if your income increases beyond what is currently covered by your insurance.
	Partial Disability benefits are paid if you are partially disabled, not totally disabled.  This can be an option on your plan.
	Surrender Value Rider returns all premiums paid, minus any benefits paid over the life of the policy at age 65.  This option offers you a win -- win situation--protection and cash back.