Who Needs Disability Income Insurance?

For all practical purposes, if you need the income you earn at work, you probably also need disability income insurance. Consider this: Almost one third of Americans between the ages of 35 and 65 sill experience a disability of at least 90 days at some point during their working lives. Among those most likely to benefit from disability income insurance are:

Small-business owners and the self-employed. People in this group may be most at risk of financial hardship arising from a disability, since most don't have group coverage and time out of work generally means that income stops flowing. Small-business owners may want to consider purchasing group coverage for themselves and their employees. Offering group disability income insurance coverage does more than simply enhance the financial security of current employees -- the benefit can also help to attract new employees.

High-income professionals. These individuals typically would not receive enough income from a group policy to cover their usual spending needs and to maintain their preferred lifestyle.

Primary "breadwinners." Regardless of whether an individual already has some group coverage, it's important not to be lulled into a false sense of security. Quite often, group coverage just doesn't provide enough money -- even for those with relatively modest spending needs.