Income protection after divorce
Divorce is one of the most important times to review your income protection. As a newly single person, your entire household income now depends on you — there is no partner's salary to fall back on if illness or injury stops you working.
Why income protection is especially important after divorce
- No partner income to cover bills if you can't work
- Mortgage or rent payments are now solely your responsibility
- Child maintenance obligations continue regardless of your health
- Savings are often depleted during the divorce process
How much income protection do you need after divorce?
Calculate your essential monthly outgoings as a single person: mortgage or rent, bills, food, childcare, and any maintenance obligations. Income protection typically covers 50–70% of gross income. For most newly single people, this means £1,500–£3,000/month of benefit.
Own occupation vs any occupation
Always choose "own occupation" income protection — this pays out if you cannot do your specific job, not just any work at all. This is especially important for anyone with a professional career or specialist skills.
What if you were named on a joint income protection policy?
Income protection policies are typically individual — but if you had a joint arrangement through an employer or group scheme linked to your ex-partner's employer, review this immediately. Individual policies are not affected by your marital status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — as a single person, income protection becomes more important, not less. You're now the sole earner in your household and have no financial backup if illness stops you working.
Individual IP policies are not affected by divorce — your cover continues unchanged. Review whether the benefit amount still matches your needs as a single person.