If I get Disabled, Workers’ Comp and Social Security will cover me, right?
Many households rely entirely on government-mandated benefits such as Workers’ Compensation and Social Security to provide income in the event you become disabled.
Your future income is critical to the financial well-being of you and your family. Can you rely on these government programs to protect your largest asset?
Let’s look at Workers Compensation, a state-mandated insurance program that pays a portion of your income should you suffer a work-related injury or illness. The benefit varies from state to state with 3 limitations:
1. It is highly unlikely your disability would be covered as only one percent of disabilities are work-related
2. The benefit is capped which means your entire income loss would not be fully covered
3. If you are the owner of a business or an independent contractor, you may not be covered at all.
Let’s look at Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), a payroll tax-funded federal program with 3 limitations:
1. It is unlikely you would qualify as the definition of disability is so strict that only a third of all applicants are approved.
2. If you qualify, the benefit is significantly limited – it is barely above the poverty threshold.
3. There are significant delays in you receiving the benefit with some cases taking over a year.
In short, these programs are not something you should rely on to secure your biggest asset.
“What should you do?”
Take control of your financial security and give us a call! We can help you understand how to properly insure your future income to protect you and those you love.
To read Part III – 6 Reasons Why Your Disability Benefit may Not be Enough, CLICK HERE
Mathew Kryder, the writer of this blog, is Petschauer Insurance’s Life & Disability Advisor and can be reached at (516) 419-4266 or mkryder@jpins.com.
To request a Disability Insurance quote CLICK HERE