What does "partial disability" mean in the context of disability insurance?

In the context of disability insurance, "partial disability" refers to a situation where the insured individual is unable to perform some job functions, yet is still capable of working in a limited capacity. This concept recognizes that not all disabilities completely incapacitate an individual. Instead, a person may still retain some ability to work but may be restricted in the type or amount of work they can perform due to their condition.

For example, someone who suffers a partial disability might be unable to lift heavy objects but can still perform other tasks that do not require heavy lifting. This definition is crucial as it aligns with how partial disability benefits are structured, providing financial support to those who are not completely disabled but still face limitations in their work capabilities.