The Plan is exclusively available to members of the State Bar of Texas (SBOT) who are under age 70. Coverage is subject to Prudential’s approval of satisfactory evidence of insurability.

OOE covers a wide range of overhead office expenses, such as utilities, employee salaries, interest on existing business loans, and taxes associated with your business. See a comprehensive list of approved expensesopens a PDF in a new tab.

Benefits begin after you have been totally disabled for 16 continuous days. If you’re under age 70, your benefits can continue for as long as 24 months for each period of disability. If you’re under age 70 and are continuously disabled for more than 24 months but have not yet reached the aggregate amount (equal to your monthly benefit amount multiplied by 24 months), benefits can continue until the aggregate is reached or for 12 months, whichever occurs first. Your coverage ends on the January 1 that follows your 70th birthday. You are considered totally disabled if you can’t perform the material and substantial duties of your occupation due to sickness or injury. You must be under the care of a licensed physician, and you can’t be engaged in any other gainful occupation.

If you decide to move out of state, you can continue your coverage as an affiliate State Bar member until you reach age 70.

Everyone’s amount is different, based on their budget, committed expenses, and financial responsibilities. Our expense worksheetopens a PDF in a new tab can help you calculate how much OOE you might need.

You can apply to increase your coverage at any time by submitting a new application. However, if you’re less than 40 years old and medically approved, you can increase your coverage by $1,000 annually (up to a $5,000 lifetime maximum) without requiring proof of good health. All coverage increases must be exercised prior to age 45, and a member’s total coverage cannot exceed the Plan maximum of $10,000.

If you die while receiving benefits, your spouse or dependent children will receive a lump sum benefit equal to the lesser of three-times your Maximum Monthly Benefit, or 50% of your Maximum Monthly Benefit times the number of months remaining in the unexpired portion of the Maximum Benefit Duration at the time of your death.

Your OOE Insurance premium payments may be deductible when filing your federal income tax. Consult your tax advisor about this deduction.