A disability can impact every part of your life, but it shouldn't jeopardize your financial well-being.
Your disability or leave protection options may differ based on your specific situation. To understand your options, reach out to your employer or explore the product details below.
If you're facing a short-term health issue, like pregnancy, injury, depression, or illness, you may need financial support while you're absent from work. Short-term disability coverage can offer the financial relief you need.
If you're dealing with a chronic disability, such as muscle, joint, or back issues, or mental health challenges like depression, long-term disability can help maintain your lifestyle while you recover.
Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML), Paid Family Leave (PFL), and temporary Disability Insurance (DI) programs are mandated by state laws.
The definition of disability can vary depending on your employer’s plan. Some policies define disability as being unable to perform your specific job duties, while others may consider you disabled only if you are unable to perform any job that suits your education, training, and experience. Additionally, some policies require that you not be gainfully employed while receiving benefits or that you cannot earn a certain percentage of your pre-disability income due to injury or illness.
Some policies may offer partial disability benefits, paying a portion of your total disability benefit if you’ve lost part of your income due to a disability. Other plans might include rehabilitation provisions that require you to participate in a vocational rehabilitation program to continue receiving benefits.
Note that many policies have exclusions and limitations, and may not fully cover certain disabilities or pre-existing conditions. Benefits can differ by employer, so it's important to review your workplace plan or speak to your benefits administrator for detailed information.
When selecting disability coverage, consider how long you could manage without your paycheck. If you have savings to cover the waiting period, you may want to select a longer elimination period, as this typically results in a lower premium.
Your benefits will begin after you’ve completed an "elimination period"—a set period of time that starts when you are first disabled from work. This waiting period varies by plan, but typically lasts 90 or 180 days. Most employers choose the elimination period for their group long-term disability plans.
The duration of your disability benefits will depend on your employer's plan. The most common maximum benefit periods are two years, five years, or until age 65. Shorter benefit periods usually come with lower premiums. Check with your benefits administrator for the specific duration of your coverage.
It’s generally recommended that your disability coverage replaces at least 60% of your after-tax income. To determine the right amount of coverage, calculate how much income you need to cover your living expenses, including things like your mortgage, car payments, groceries, and childcare costs. Use these numbers to help you decide on the necessary coverage.
If you live in a state with state-mandated disability or paid family leave benefits ("State Benefits"), be sure to review whether you need additional coverage. State Benefits may reduce the amount of your disability insurance payment. Depending on your compensation and the state benefit amount, you may only receive a reduced weekly benefit. Consider your personal situation when deciding if you need supplemental coverage beyond State Benefits.