What is the primary factor affecting the benefits under a disability income policy?

The primary factor affecting the benefits under a disability income policy is the wages earned by the insured prior to their disability. This is because disability income policies generally provide benefits that are a percentage of the individual's income, which helps to replace lost earnings during the period of disability. Insurers typically use the applicant’s income level to determine how much coverage and what monthly benefit payments will be available, with the aim of ensuring that the insured can maintain their standard of living after the loss of income due to an inability to work.

While occupation, health condition, and duration of coverage are indeed important factors in the overall underwriting process and may influence eligibility and specific terms of the policy, it is the wages that fundamentally dictate the amount of financial support the policyholder would receive in the event of a disability. The benefit calculations rely heavily on an individual's previous income, making it the cornerstone of disability income coverage.