As your insurance agent, one of my top priorities is making sure you stay informed about the coverage options that protect you and the people you care about. Today, I want to highlight a type of insurance that often gets overlooked but can make a dramatic difference in your financial security: disability insurance.

Right now, at least 51 million working adults in the United States have no disability insurance beyond what Social Security provides. That’s alarming when you consider that 1 in 4 of today’s 20-year-olds will become disabled before they reach retirement age. The truth is, the chances of needing disability insurance are higher than many people realize.

Why Disability Insurance Matters

One of the first questions people often ask is: “Do I really need disability insurance?” A helpful way to think about it is this: How long could you go without a paycheck?

For many Americans, the answer is not very long. In fact, three out of ten adults say they would have to use a credit card or borrow money to cover an unexpected $400 expense. Disability insurance steps in at the moments when life throws the unexpected your way, replacing a portion of your income if an illness or injury keeps you from working. It can also help offset medical costs related to your disability.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Disability Insurance

People are often unsure about the difference between short‑term and long‑term disability insurance. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Short-term disability insurance replaces a portion of your income for a few weeks up to a few months.
• Long-term disability insurance provides coverage for a much longer period—sometimes up to retirement age.

Since policy terms vary depending on the provider, it’s important to review your options closely so you can choose the coverage that best aligns with your personal needs. Don’t worry—I'm here to walk you through it.

What About COVID-19?

Another common question is whether disability insurance covers COVID‑19. In some cases, yes. If a COVID‑19 infection results in a disability that prevents you from working, your policy may replace part of your income. However, coverage varies, and some insurers have specific requirements—such as medical documentation or waiting periods—before benefits can begin.

Let’s Make Sure You’re Protected

If you don’t currently have disability insurance and want to explore how to protect your income, I’m here to help. It’s one of those things you hope you never need, but when you do, you’ll be grateful it’s in place.

Feel free to give me a call or reply to this post anytime. Your financial well‑being is worth it—every single penny.