Protect
Disability income protection: when earnings stop
Disability (Berufsunfähigkeit) means being unable to do the previous job for health reasons, for the foreseeable future. For employees and self-employed people, rent and living costs often continue immediately.
This is not the same as being ill for a while, being unemployed, or the state pension scheme. Each layer has its own rules, waiting periods and limits.
On CapitalPath this page sorts the questions: what to clarify first, how building blocks differ, and when a conversation helps. It is not a product recommendation.
How it works → — Understand first. Then decide.
Do not mix these up
Similar words, different systems:
Illness vs inability to work
Illness can be temporary. Incapacity for work and reduced earning capacity (Erwerbsminderung) follow other definitions and benefits.
Unemployment benefits
Unemployment insurance is not a substitute for occupational disability cover — different eligibility and duration.
State reduced earning capacity pension
The German pension scheme assesses Erwerbsminderung with medical and social tests. Amount and entitlement depend on the insurance record — often only part of former net pay.
Typical private and employer-related blocks
Occupational disability insurance (BU)
Private BU pays a contractually defined benefit when the policy definition is met — after health underwriting, job class and terms. No blanket recommendation here.
Daily sickness allowance
Sick pay or daily allowances bridge periods — usually limited in time and amount. Not a long-term income replacement on their own.
Employer schemes
Company or bAV arrangements may exist — contracts and roles need checking, especially for self-employed people and managing directors.
01
Clarify first
Existing policies, statutory rights, running costs, reserves and who else relies on the income.
02
Self-employed and GmbH directors
When income comes from the business, household and company are often linked. The business owners page covers that split; here the focus is the private income gap.
Questions
Common questions
Is disability the same as Erwerbsminderung?
No. Erwerbsminderung is the statutory pension term with assessment by the pension authority. Private BU uses contract wording and underwriting — different hurdles, different payouts.
Is statutory sick pay enough?
Often only for a limited period and limited amount. A long income gap is a separate planning question.
When is sorting this worth it?
When ongoing costs depend on earned income and it is still unclear which layers would apply in a long absence.
Are products recommended here?
No. CapitalPath explains terms and questions. Whether a contract fits depends on health, job, budget and terms — that belongs in a call, not in general copy.
Contact
Sort the situation — call, message or book
No form on this site. Calendly, phone, WhatsApp or email — as on the contact page.