The disability policy is renewable upon timely payment of premiums for the specified period, and during that period, can neither be canceled nor have its premiums changed by the Company. The policy is guaranteed renewable for one, two, three, four, or five years.

This is the date on which benefits begin to accrue. For an Interim Term policy, the first benefit will be payable after the benefit has accrued for a full month, one month after the Beginning Date. The Insured does not have to be continuously disabled to qualify for the Beginning Date.

Two maximum benefit periods are available for an Interim Term policy. Choose from To Age 65 or To Age 70.

Northwestern Mutual offers one of the most comprehensive and competitive Disability Income insurance policies available. We understand individual needs differ, which is why we offer four alternative definitions of Total Disability. You have the flexibility, depending upon your occupation classification, to select the definition that meets your specific needs and best fits your budget. We recognize the value of Partial Disability coverage to an insured who, as a result of a disability, is only able to work part-time and thereby incurs a loss of earned income. Therefore, we have made this a standard feature in our contract.

Four-Tiered Definition of Total Disability

• Any Occupation Definition of Total Disability Option—During the first 24 months following the Beginning Date, you are totally disabled when you are both unable to perform the principal duties of your regular occupation and not gainfully employed in any occupation. After the first 24 months following the Beginning Date, you are totally disabled when you are both unable to perform the principal duties of any occupation for which you are reasonably fitted by education, training or experience and not gainfully employed in any occupation.

• Base Contract Definition—You are totally disabled when you are both unable to perform the principal duties of your regular occupation and not gainfully employed in any occupation.

• 2-Year Initial Period Option*—During the first 24 months of disability following the Beginning Date, you are totally disabled when you are unable to perform the principal duties of your regular occupation. After the first 24 months of disability following the Beginning Date, you are totally disabled when you are both unable to perform the principal duties of your regular occupation and not gainfully employed in any occupation.

• Extended Initial Period Option**—You are totally disabled when you are unable to perform the principal duties of your regular occupation.

*Available to 4A & 5A & 6A Occupation Classes in the Non-Medical Markets and al Medical Market occupations.

**Available to 5A and 6A Occupation Classes in Non-Medical Market only.

Partial disability occurs when:

• The Insured is unable to perform one or more, but not all, of the principal duties of the regular occupation. The Insured is unable to spend as much time at the regular occupation as before the disability.

• The Insured has at least a 20% Loss of Earned Income that is caused by the disability.

• The Insured is gainfully employed in an occupation.

It can take time to restore your earnings after a total or partial disability. Northwestern Mutual's Transition Benefit is payable based on Loss of Earned Income for up to twelve months after you've returned to continuous full-time work.

You are automatically considered totally disabled for specified disabilities. The Full Benefit starts with the date of the loss and is payable for as long as the loss continues during your lifetime. Presumptive disability benefits are payable even if you are able to work.

From 90 days after the start of a disability or on the Beginning Date if sooner, premiums are waived during the Insured's disability.

Premiums due and paid during this time will be refunded. An annual premium will be waived on each policy anniversary and premiums are waived beyond the benefit period if you are still disabled.

Waiver of Premium will continue for the duration of the disability, regardless of the Maximum Benefit Period; however, Waiver is subject to limitation while the Insured is outside the United States and to the Limitation for Mental Disorder and Substance Abuse or Dependency.