Disability through an injury or sickness not only severely affects a person’s quality of life but usually ends up causing significant loss of income. Disability insurance is a form of health insurance that provides income to cover living expenses during the duration of disability.

According to the American Community Survey, about half of Americans ages 75 and older (49.8%) reported living with a disability in 2015, as did about a quarter (25.4%) of those 65 to 74. In contrast, just 6% of Americans ages 18 to 34 and 13% of those 35 to 64 said they had a disability. In absolute numbers, however, those ages 35 to 64 accounted for more disabled Americans – nearly 16 million in 2015 – than any other age group. (Source: 7 facts about Americans with disabilities by Kristen Bialik at Pew Research Center)

America’s Disability Counter | Disability Statistics

Worker’s Compensation is not disability insurance. It covers you for disability caused by an injury at the place of work. Who will take care of your bills if you slip into your bathroom and go on disability for six months?

Types of Disability Insurance Plans

All disability insurance plans are not the same.

• Short-term disability
  Usually covers you up to six months.
• Long-term disability
  Can last up to ten years.

Recommended reading:

7 facts about Americans with disabilities.