[REPLAY] Key Financial Underwriting Concepts from Ameritas

Recorded 06/02/2026 

Ever been confused about how the underwriter determines the amount of individual disability income or business overhead expense they will approve? Do you understand the various tax schedules you need to collect and submit with the DI application? Join this session where one of our DI underwriters will outline the most important factors associated with financial underwriting, provide you with key items to keep in mind when you are meeting with potential clients and advise you on the appropriate income documentation necessary. 

Here is an example for calculating unearned income and its impact to the benefit amount available on a DI policy:

• Applicant has an earned income of $400,000 and unearned income of $250,000.
• We ignore unearned income in the amount of up to 50% of earned income:
  • $400,000 x 50% = $200,000 – this amount is ignored.
  • $250,000 – 200,000 = $50,000 unearned income that will impact the benefit amount.
  • We will deduct 50% of the remaining monthly unearned income from the monthly benefit otherwise available based on earned income.
    • $50,000 / 12 months = $4,167/month
    • Unearned income reduction: $4,167 x 50% = $2,084
  • Maximum issue limit for $400,000 earned income is $16,200/month, less unearned income reduction of $2,084 = $14,116 which is the benefit amount Ameritas would issue.
• *This is a manual calculation. The software is not programmed to calculate this for you.