Group Disability Benefits
Disability insurance is an insurance product designed to replace part of your gross income should a
sickness or illness prevent you from earning an income in your occupation. Disability insurance policies
can vary by contract, and it's important to have a quality policy in place.
Short-Term Disability:
If you were to become sick or disabled tomorrow and were unable to work for two or three months, would
you have enough savings to cover your living expenses during that time? If you don't, short term disability
insurance (STD) would be an invaluable resource as you recover so you can get back to work.
Long-Term Disability:
Long-term disability picks up where short-term disability leaves off. Becoming disabled can have devastating
financial implications. While some people can get by without working for a few months, tapping into their savings,
few people can afford to stop working altogether for an extended period of time. Long-term disability policies
provide you with income for a long period of time: two years, five years, or until you retire. Most people who have
long-term disability insurance get it through their employers, although individual long-term disability is also available.
Once your short-term disability benefits expire (generally after three to six months), a long-term disability policy
pays you a percentage of your salary, usually one-half to two-thirds. You'll receive benefits until you reach age 65.
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