Disability & Income Protection

Your ability to earn income is your most valuable asset. A 30-year-old earning $75K will earn over $3M by retirement. One in four workers will be disabled before age 67. Disability insurance replaces your income when you can't work.

Short-Term Disability (STD)

Replaces 50-70% of your income for 3-12 months when you're temporarily unable to work due to illness or injury. Elimination period (waiting time before benefits start): 0-14 days. Benefits last 3-6 months typically, up to 1 year. Commonly offered as an employer benefit at no cost to employees. If no

Long-Term Disability (LTD)

Replaces 50-70% of your income for extended disabilities lasting years or until retirement age. Elimination period: typically 90-180 days (use STD or savings to bridge the gap). Benefits can last 2 years, 5 years, or to age 65/67. Costs 1-4% of your gross income. A person earning $75,000 pays roughl

Social Security Disability (SSDI)

Federal program for workers who are "totally and permanently disabled" — unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity for at least 12 months or expected to result in death. Funded by Social Security payroll taxes. Average monthly benefit: ~$1,500 (2025). Maximum: ~$3,800/month. 5-month manda