Disability Insurance
Protect your most valuable asset — your income
Your ability to earn is your greatest financial asset. Learn about disability insurance options and how policies work.
Common Questions About Disability Insurance
Recent Disability Insurance Questions
View allDisability insurance denied claim - hired private investigator to follow me
Filed disability claim for chronic fatigue. They hired investigator who filmed me grocery shopping and walking dog. Denied claim saying I can work. Can they rea…
Mental health disability - will my policy pay for depression/anxiety?
Have long-term disability through work. Dealing with severe depression, can't focus or work. Will disability insurance actually pay for mental health conditions…
Own occupation disability for 2 years then any occupation - is this a scam?
Disability policy says 'own occupation' but fine print says only for first 24 months, then switches to 'any occupation'. Insurance agent didn't mention this. Is…
How long does disability insurance pay - until 65 or for life?
My LTD policy says benefits to age 65. What happens after that? Do I just lose income? Is there disability coverage that pays for life if I'm permanently disabl…
Short-term vs long-term disability insurance - elimination period confusion
Getting my own disability policy as a dentist. Agent saying 60-day elimination period vs 90-day makes big premium difference. Also confused: 'own-occupation' de…
Can't work my job but can work different job - does disability still pay?
I'm accountant with back injury. Can't sit at desk 8 hours but could do physical therapy part-time. Policy says 'own occupation' for 2 years. Will they pay or s…
SSDI vs LTD insurance - can I have both or do they offset?
On long-term disability from work (60% of salary). Approved for SSDI which pays $2,100/month. Will my LTD reduce benefits now that I'm getting Social Security d…
Disability insurance own occupation definition - why does my specialty matter?
I'm a surgeon and getting disability insurance quotes. Agent emphasizing 'true own-occupation' vs 'modified own-occ' vs 'any occupation.' The difference in prem…
Denied disability claim - appeal or get lawyer immediately?
My LTD claim was denied after 6 months (fibromyalgia). Insurance company says I can still work despite doctor saying otherwise. Should I appeal myself first or …
Can I get individual disability insurance if I have group coverage at work?
Work provides 60% income replacement but taxed since employer pays premium. Want to buy private policy for extra 20% coverage tax-free. Can I have both? Do they…
Elimination period 90 days - does that mean I get nothing for 3 months?
Disability policy has 90-day elimination period. If I get injured, I don't get any benefits for first 3 months? How am I supposed to pay bills? Should I pay mor…
Business owner disability insurance - how does it work for self-employed people?
I'm a sole proprietor architect. My income varies from $120k-$200k per year. How does disability insurance work when I don't have a fixed salary? What income do…
Disability insurance benefit period - 2 years vs 5 years vs to age 65
Getting disability insurance quotes and the benefit period choice dramatically affects premiums. 2-year benefit: $120/mo. 5-year benefit: $210/mo. To age 65: $3…
Pre-existing condition in disability insurance - will they deny my claim?
Got disability insurance 6 months ago. Now need to file claim for condition I had before getting coverage. Policy says pre-existing conditions not covered for 1…
Disability claim approved - how much do they actually pay?
My disability claim was approved! Policy says 60% of income up to $5k/month. I made $8,500/month. Do I get $5,100 (60% of 8,500) or the $5k max? How is it calcu…
Disability insurance at 55 - too late or still worthwhile?
I'm 55, planning to work until 67. Should I buy disability insurance now? Only need 12 years of coverage. Premiums seem high for short coverage period. Worth it…
Long-term disability insurance definition of disability - what's the difference between occupation classes?
I'm an attorney and getting LDI quotes. The agent is explaining 4A, 3A, 2A occupation class ratings and 'own-occupation' definitions. The higher classification …
Disability insurance definition of disability - totally vs partially disabled?
My policy says benefits pay if 'totally disabled and unable to work'. Does this mean bedridden? Or if I can work part-time, am I not disabled? Definition seems …
Future purchase option on disability - should I add this rider?
Disability agent recommends future purchase option (FPO) that lets me increase coverage later without medical exam. I'm 32, healthy. Is this rider necessary or …
Cost of living adjustment (COLA) rider on disability - worth it?
Disability policy offers COLA rider that increases benefit by 3% per year. Adds $45/month to premium. Worth it for inflation protection or expensive feature I d…
Disability Insurance Guides
All guidesDisability Insurance Explained: What Every Working Adult Needs to Know
1 in 4 workers will become disabled before retirement. This guide explains how disability insurance works, what to look for, and how much coverage you need.
The Complete Guide to Disability Insurance
Everything you need to know about short-term and long-term disability insurance, including own occupation vs any occupation policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need disability insurance?
Yes — a 30-year-old earning $70K will earn $2.8M+ over their career. One in four 20-year-olds will experience a disability lasting 90+ days before retirement.
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