Every insurance policy is different, so there is no universal answer in this regard — whether you are entitled to disability benefits for a “partial” or “residual” disability depends on the specific terms and conditions of your plan.

Disability insurance plans that include partial or residual disability benefit coverage allow for the receipt of a reduced amount of benefits when the policyholder has not necessarily been rendered totally disabled but still has a loss of earnings. The conditions for partial disability qualification may be quite specific.

For example, if you can only work part-time, the insurer may require that you show that (due to your disability) your performance has been reduced by a particular percentage, or that your scheduled hours have been reduced. If you meet the requirements (i.e., 25 percent fewer hours worked per week) then you will qualify for a partial disability benefit.