Long-Term Disability Insurance Made Simple
Life can change in an instant. A serious illness or accident could leave you unable to work for months—or even years. Long-term disability insurance helps protect your income so you can keep life on track, even when the unexpected happens. We’re here to help you understand your options and build the right coverage for your needs.
What Is Long-Term Disability Insurance?
At its core, long-term disability (LTD) insurance replaces a portion of your income if you’re unable to work due to a qualifying illness or injury. While no one expects to become disabled, this coverage is a financial safety net that can support your household, protect your savings, and reduce stress during recovery.
It’s especially important if others rely on your income—or if you don’t have enough savings to cover an extended loss of earnings.
What Does It Cover?
Long-term disability insurance generally kicks in after a waiting period (called an elimination period), and it can cover a wide range of physical and mental health conditions that prevent you from doing your job, such as:
- Cancer
- Serious injuries or surgeries
- Heart disease or stroke
- Chronic illnesses
- Mental health disorders
Once your claim is approved, the policy provides regular monthly payments—usually between 50% and 70% of your pre-disability earnings.
Customize Your Policy to Fit Your Life
No two disability insurance policies are the same. We’ll help you weigh the key options to find coverage that meets your specific needs:
- Elimination period: How long you must be disabled before benefits begin—commonly 90 or 180 days.
- Benefit duration: How long benefits are paid (e.g., 2 years, 5 years, or up to retirement age).
- Benefit amount: Choose the income replacement level that matches your financial responsibilities.
- Own occupation vs. any occupation: Decide if the policy covers your inability to perform your current job or any job you’re qualified to do.
Employer Coverage vs. Individual Coverage
Many employers offer group long-term disability insurance, but it may not be enough. Here’s why an individual policy is still worth considering:
- Coverage gaps: Employer plans often provide limited benefits or lower income replacement percentages.
- Portability: If you change jobs or lose your job, your group coverage may not follow you.
- Tax advantages: Benefits from employer-paid plans are typically taxed. Benefits from personally paid policies are generally tax-free.
We’ll help you compare options and decide whether to supplement your employer coverage—or create a standalone plan.
Secure Your Future with Confidence
Disability doesn’t just impact your paycheck—it can affect your entire lifestyle. Whether you’re the primary earner, self-employed, or planning for long-term financial security, long-term disability insurance gives you peace of mind when you need it most.
Let’s simplify long-term disability insurance. Contact us today to find the right coverage for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Long-term disability (LTD) insurance provides income replacement if you’re unable to work for an extended period due to illness or injury. It typically covers a percentage of your salary—often 50% to 70%—until you recover, reach retirement age, or the benefit period ends.
Short-term disability covers temporary conditions and usually lasts a few weeks to 6 months. Long-term disability kicks in after the short-term coverage ends and can last several years—or even until retirement, depending on the policy.
LTD policies typically cover a wide range of illnesses and injuries, including musculoskeletal disorders, cancer, heart disease, mental health conditions, and chronic illnesses that prevent you from working.
Most long-term disability policies have an elimination period—usually 90 to 180 days—before benefits start. During this waiting period, you may rely on short-term disability benefits or personal savings.
Yes. Workers’ comp only covers injuries that happen on the job. Long-term disability covers both work-related and non-work-related conditions, offering broader protection for your income and livelihood.
