When providers evaluate your life insurance application, they use your financial history to determine how much coverage you need and whether you’ll be able to pay your premiums. If you’re unemployed, your underwriter will have additional questions about your finances.
However, you can still buy life insurance even if you don’t earn an income — but the reason behind and length of your unemployment will determine whether you’re approved for a policy.
If you’re recently unemployed and looking for work, you’re more likely to receive a policy in proportion to your previous income than if you’ve been unemployed long-term.
Key takeaways
Insurers offer policies based on your ability to pay the policy premiums
If you’re recently unemployed the amount of coverage you can get is based on your previous income
If you’re long-term unemployed, you can get a policy if you can demonstrate to the insurance company that your loved ones will suffer a financial loss if you die
You can adjust your policy’s term length and coverage amount to get a life insurance policy that fits your budget
Can you get life insurance if you’re recently unemployed?
If you’ve been unemployed for six months or less, you shouldn’t face too much difficulty finding a life insurance policy. While there aren’t universal guidelines for how underwriters assess recently unemployed applicants, you’ll usually be evaluated based on:
Previous income
Previous occupation
Length of your unemployment
Whether you’re actively seeking employment
The shorter your period of unemployment, the better, so it’s best to apply early in your unemployment if you can. However, insurers understand that employment status can change.
The factors above help them understand your financial viability and predict your future income. You may be asked to provide supplemental information, such as:
Accounting of your assets
Past pay stubs
These additional details can prove your financial stability. For example, if you own a house or have a healthy savings, your underwriter might view that as proof of financial responsibility.
If you already have a policy in place and later become unemployed, nothing about your life insurance policy will change — insurers can’t reduce your coverage or cancel your insurance.
As long as you continue to pay your premiums, you’ll retain the same life insurance coverage.
Can you get life insurance if you’re long-term unemployed?
You can get life insurance if you’re long-term unemployed, but it will be more difficult. The underwriter will want to understand why you’re unemployed.
If you haven’t worked in a few years, it’s more difficult to validate the need for coverage to an underwriter because they may not see a need for income protection. Many underwriters won’t count financial support from other insurance, such as unemployment insurance benefits, as income.
If you aren’t currently employed because you are in school full-time or manage your household, insurers are more flexible. For example, if you provide childcare or perform domestic responsibilities, these activities can be used as evidence of insurability.
Life insurance for graduate students
If you’re a full-time graduate student, you might need a life insurance policy to ensure that if you die, your co-signers aren’t liable for your student loans or that a partner isn’t left shouldering the cost of your tuition.
Some life insurance companies will take your projected income into consideration when determining your life insurance policy. Graduate students may also be able to get coverage based on:
Your parents’ life insurance policy
Your spouse’s life insurance policy
Life insurance for non-working spouses
Surveys show that stay-at-home parents perform about $178,201 worth of labor annually. [1] While non-working spouses don’t provide direct income, they perform labor that would have to be replaced if they weren't around, including childcare.
A non-working spouse can qualify for a certain amount of coverage in proportion to their working spouse — sometimes even up to 100% — though this varies for each life insurance company.
Depending on the working spouse’s income level or your joint estate planning needs, there may be some flexibility on the maximum benefit. Speak with a life insurance agent if your non-working spouse needs extra coverage.
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Can you get life insurance if you’re disabled and unable to work?
Having a disability doesn’t prohibit you from buying life insurance, but if you’re also unable to work, you may not qualify for a traditional policy. Whether a provider insures you depends on the specifics of your disability.
If your disability is related to a medical condition, you may be declined coverage due to your health history. If you’re permanently unable to work, it’s likely you’ll face coverage denials because it’s difficult to prove financial justification for a policy without a current or future income.
If you don’t qualify for traditional life insurance coverage, guaranteed life insurance is one way to get some protection for your family.
Coverage amounts are lower and premiums are higher than traditional coverage, but guaranteed issue policies offer near-certain acceptance as long as you can afford it.
How to get affordable life insurance if you’re unemployed
If you’re not bringing in an income, it may feel like life insurance doesn’t fall into your budget, but there are some ways to get affordable protection for your loved ones:
Buy term life insurance: Term life is the most cost-effective option for most people and costs significantly less than permanent life insurance options.
Choose a lower term and coverage amount: While it’s not ideal to own less life insurance than you need, some coverage is better than none. A lower benefit or shorter term can keep your premiums within your budget and your policy active until you find a new job.
Shop around: Each life insurance company underwrites health and financial situations differently. You’ll find the best rates by comparison shopping with multiple providers.
A Policygenius advisor can work with you to find the best life insurance company for you.
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Should you add unemployment riders to your policy?
Life insurance companies offer specific riders, or policy add-ons, that offer financial protection in situations other than your death. There are two riders that would protect your policy from lapsing if you are out of work, but we don’t generally recommend them.
Disability income rider: Pays out a monthly stipend if you become disabled and are unable to work
Waiver of premium rider: Waives your premiums if you become disabled and are unable to work
You’ll ultimately get more comprehensive and affordable coverage from a standalone disability insurance policy. Life insurance disability riders are costly and have restrictions that can make it difficult to qualify for benefits.
It may be easier than you think to get life insurance protection for your family even if you don’t have an income.
Life insurance providers are lenient if your unemployment is recent and offer options for students or non-working spouses. If you’re denied a traditional policy, guaranteed issue life insurance may be a solution until you’re back to work.
More about finding your best life insurance policy
Image: H. Armstrong Roberts / Getty Images
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy life insurance if I’m unemployed?
You can buy life insurance while unemployed, especially if you’re a student, a homemaker, or if you’ve been unemployed less than six months.
How much life insurance can I get while unemployed?
It depends on your circumstances. If you’re between jobs, you may be offered coverage based on your occupation and previous income. Non-working spouses can apply for coverage based on their working spouse’s amount of life insurance coverage.
What happens to my life insurance if I get laid off?
As long as you continue paying your premiums, your private life insurance won’t change if you are laid off. However, you’ll likely lose your employer-sponsored life insurance.
