Know Your Disability Insurance Options To Protect Your Family

Disability insurance provides income for you and your family in the case you are unable to work because of illness or injury. Although many people think it is unlikely something will happen to them, loss of income can lead to bankruptcy, home foreclosure and other financial troubles.

May is recognized as Disability Insurance Awareness Month. While some employers do offer disability insurance options, more than 70 percent of employers do not offer long-term disability coverage, according to the the U.S. Department of Labor.

Check with your employer to see what options they offer, and if their plan would cover your monthly expenses, or if you need a separate insurance option to keep you and your family financially safe. Be prepared and check with your local and state resources on getting financial aid and insurance before something happens.

Disability Insurance

Short-term disability is private insurance that replaces some of your income if an injury or illness prevents you from working. While you are away from work, it pays you a certain percentage of your income for a set period of time. Some employers provide group policies as part of their benefits packages. If your employer does not offer short-term disability, or you want additional coverage, you can buy an individual policy from an insurance agent.

View the Guide to Disability Income Insurance.

State temporary disability insurance (TDI) programs are currently available in six states/territories:

  1. California
  2. New York
  3. New Jersey
  4. Rhode Island
  5. Hawaii
  6. Puerto Rico (in Spanish)

For a longer illness, lasting six months or more, your employer may provide group long-term disability (LTD) insurance.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) also administers two programs that provide benefits to the disabled. You may wish to view information about Social Security disability benefits.

Additional Resources:

By USA.gov team