Disability insurance, often called disability income insurance, is a form of insurance that insures the beneficiary’s earned income against the risk that disability will make working (and therefore earning) impossible. In other words, it answers the question, “How would I pay for my living expenses if I became unable to work?” Accident and illnesses are facts of life. They can happen to anyone at anytime. If you became disabled today and your income stopped, could you afford to:

• Pay your mortgage or rent
• Buy food
• Pay your utilities
• Make car payments
• Make other loan payments

Those whose employers do not provide benefits, and self-employed individuals who desire disability coverage, may purchase their own policies privately if eligible. Premiums and available benefits for individual coverage may vary considerably between different companies and for individuals in different occupations.