Long-Term Disability Insurance Choosing to protect your lifestyle
What happens if I’m sick or injured and can’t work for months … or even years? If a sudden illness or serious accident occurred, you could go from breadwinner to dependent in the blink of an eye. And the chances of that happening are much greater than you may think: • Almost 3 in 10 workers entering the work force today will become disabled before retiring. 1 • The average long-term disability absence is 2.5 years. 2 Disability can have long-lasting financial consequences • Nearly 50% of all mortgage foreclosures are the result of disability, compared to 2% caused by death. 3 • Two-thirds of applicants to the Social Security Disability Insurance program are initially denied, and the wait for appeals averages more than 500 days. 4 • With an average monthly benefit of $978, 5 Social Security Disability Insurance is often not enough to maintain the standard of living of those who qualify. Even if you’re part of a two-income family, the repercussions of being unable to work for an extended period can be severe. Long-Term Disability insurance offers you a way to replace part of your income if you should suffer a serious illness or injury and can’t work. And through your employer, you can get this protection at an affordable group rate. How do I know if I’m eligible to participate in this plan? You are eligible to participate if you are an active full-time employee as defined by your employer and meet any other policyholder defined eligibility requirements.
Key Advantages of This Plan
• You can purchase coverage without providing proof of good health. • You’re covered for injury or sickness 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on or off the job. • Your plan also includes Rehabilitation benefits that provide services and support to help you return to active work.
Sources: 1 Social Security Administration, Fact Sheet, Jan 31, 2007 2 Commissioner’s Individual Disability Table A 3 Health Affairs, The Policy Journal of the Health Sphere, Feb. 2, 2005 4 Kansas City Star Long Delays Add to Misery December 14,2007 5 Social Security Administration, Fact Sheet, Jan 31, 2007
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