What are the odds of becoming disabled to the point where you can't work for an extended period?

According to the Insurance Information Institute, the odds on this happening sometime during your working career are higher than you might think.

Most people don't think of 35 as an age where one is particularly "old" or subject to disability. However, at age 35 you have close to a 50% chance of becoming disabled for at least 3 months.

This is where LTD, or long term disability insurance can come into play in a big way. LTd policies are designed to provide replacement income if you become injured or sick during the course of your employment. Long term disability is different from social security disability in that SSD provides a monthly benefit based on what you've paid in FICA taxes over the years. And long term disability insurance is different from workers comp insurance in this way: workers comp only covers work-related injury or illness.

Long term disability insurance is actually a good way of covering your bases. How much will long term disability insurance provide you? Typically, this kind of insurance policy will provide you the equivalent of 65 or 66 percent of your base salary. So, about two-thirds.






For information on Social Security Disability, visit the

Social Security Disability SSI Resource Center















Additional Resources


If you get denied on a disability appeal can you get another?
Why do I need an attorney for Social Security disability ?
Will my disability case be reviewed after I have been approved for disability benefits ?