Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Difference Between Own Occupation And Any Occupation?

Frank Darras:

“The difference between the own occupation clause and the any occupation clause is called out in your certificate. Most long term disability policies have a 24 month own occupation period. That’s not your job. It’s not the specific duties for your specific employer. It’s how that occupation is performed in the national economy. Any occupation takes into consideration your education, your training, and your experience.”

“So for instance, you’re an over the road trucker. You make $90,000 a year and you get past the own occupation period and now it’s any occupation by which your trained, educated, or suited. The carrier can’t make you sell pencils outside the truck stop. That’s not gainful. You make $90,000 a year. They need to find you a gainful occupation taking into consideration what you earned.”