Disability Insurance — Protect Your Paycheck

Disability Insurance

Coverage that replaces a portion of your income if an illness or injury keeps you from working.

What Is Disability Insurance?

Disability insurance replaces part of your income if an illness or injury prevents you from working. It comes in two main forms: short-term coverage, which helps for a limited period, and long-term coverage, which can help for a longer stretch. Instead of a one-time payout, benefits are usually paid as regular income while you're unable to work, helping your household keep going until you recover.

Who Is It For?

Working people who rely on their income
Self-employed individuals
Sole earners in a household
People without disability coverage through an employer
Workers in physically demanding occupations

Who Does It Protect?

It protects you and the people who depend on your paycheck — the income that keeps your household running.

You and your ability to earn
Your spouse or partner
Children and dependents
Anyone who relies on your income for housing, food, and bills

When Should Someone Get It?

While you're healthy and working
Before an injury or illness happens
When you take on a mortgage, rent, or other financial obligations
When your household depends on your paycheck
When you don't have coverage through an employer

Generally, the younger and healthier an applicant is, the more affordable coverage tends to be.

Why Should Someone Get It?

Replaces Lost Income

Helps cover a portion of your paycheck while you can't work.

Protects Your Savings

Reduces the need to drain savings or retirement funds.

Keeps the Household Running

Helps pay the mortgage or rent, food, and everyday bills.

Bridges to Recovery

Provides steady support until you're able to return to work.

Peace of Mind

Lets you focus on getting better instead of on money.

How Are Benefits Received?

If an illness or injury keeps you from working:

You file a claim with the insurance company
Medical documentation of the disability is submitted
The insurance company reviews and approves the claim
Benefits are paid as periodic income during the disability period
Payments continue per the policy's terms while you remain unable to work

Benefit payments can help you:

Keep up with the mortgage or rent
Cover food and everyday living costs
Pay ongoing bills and utilities
Manage medical and recovery expenses
Protect savings you'd otherwise have to spend

How disability benefits are taxed can depend on how the coverage was paid for — a licensed agent can walk you through what applies to your situation.

Where Can Someone Get It?

A licensed insurance agent
An independent insurance agency
Financial professionals who help with income protection
Insurance companies offering short-term or long-term disability coverage

A licensed agent can help someone compare options based on:

Occupation
Income needs
Existing employer coverage
Short-term vs. long-term needs
Health history
How long benefits should last

Quick Answers

Question	Answer
What is it?	Coverage that replaces part of your income if you can't work due to illness or injury.
Who is it for?	Working people, the self-employed, and sole earners.
Who does it protect?	You and everyone who depends on your paycheck.
When should you get it?	While healthy and working, before an injury or illness.
Why get it?	To replace lost income and keep the household running.
How are benefits received?	You file a claim with medical documentation and receive periodic income.
Where can you get it?	Through a licensed insurance agent or insurance company.

Have a question about Disability Insurance?

Talk it through with Nia, your coach. Plain answers, no pressure — and a licensed agent can pick up right where you leave off.

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This is general education, not advice about any specific policy, product, or company. Coverage, features, availability, and tax treatment vary by situation and by state — a licensed agent reviews your case before any decision. Nothing here is a quote or an offer of coverage.