How much would income protection pay me?
Usually a proportion of your earnings before tax, commonly around 50% to 65%, up to a maximum set by the insurer. The exact amount is in your policy schedule. Benefit is paid monthly after the deferred period, and may be reduced if you receive other income such as sick pay.
Why not your full salary
Benefit from a personal policy is usually paid tax-free, so a proportion of gross pay can be close to normal take-home pay. Insurers also cap benefit so people are not better off claiming than working.
Other income
Some policies reduce benefit if you also receive employer sick pay or payments from another income protection policy. Check your terms.
Keeping it up to date
If your earnings rise, ask whether you can increase your cover. If they fall, check whether the benefit would still be payable in full.
This article is general information about UK protection insurance, not personalised financial advice. Policy terms vary between insurers and products, so always check your own policy documents.
Last updated 27 October 2026