Group DI and Social Security

Let's start with three solutions that can help to fill a gap caused by long-term disability:

  • Social Security provides a modest benefit to disabled workers, but only after five full months of total disability—and only if you expect be out of work 12 months or more.
  • Some employers offer group DI coverage. If you are covered, this benefit might replace 40-60% of lost income.
  • The most flexible type of coverage is personal DI, which you choose and fund yourself. This insurance can replace a higher percent of lost income than either Social Security or group DI. Benefits also can begin sooner after disability occurs.

Unfortunately, you can't rely on other income sources like Social Security to protect you. In many cases, they don't apply - or aren't enough. Think you're already protected?