A number of factors determine the cost of an individual disability income policy, including: Age. Younger persons pay less per year than those who are older and more likely to become disabled. Benefit amount. Policies that replace more of a person's salary are more expensive. A policy that replaces 80 percent of your salary costs more than one that replaces only 60 percent. Benefit period. The shorter the benefit period, the less expensive the policy. For example, a policy with a two-year benefit period costs less than a policy that pays benefits to age 65, or the retirement age specified under Social Security. Current health status. The state of your health determines whether you a eligible for standard rates or rates that are higher. A policy also may exclude from coverage adverse health conditions that exist before the policy is issued (preexisting conditions). Definition of disability. A policy that pays benefits if you are unable to perform the duties of your own occupation is more expensive than a policy that pays benefits if you are unable to perform the duties of any job for which you are reasonably qualified. Discounts. Many companies offer discounts for policies issued at the same time on more than one person, as well as when an employer (or association) collects the premiums for individual policies from employees and pays the insurer. Extent of disability. A policy that pays benefits only if the policyholder is totally and permanently disabled costs less than a policy that also pays benefits from a partial or temporary disability. Gender. Women usually pay more than men for an individual policy because claim costs are higher for women. Under a group policy, however, men and women typically pay the same rate. Optional benefits. For an extra premium, some policies offer additional benefits, such as cost-of-living increases or the option to purchase higher benefits in the future. Smoker/tobacco Use. Most companies either give a discount to non-tobacco users or add a surcharge for tobacco use. Type of job. Expect to pay more for a policy that covers a high-risk occupation compared to a low-risk line of work.