Disability Insurance Benefits
(It could be exactly what you need.)
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Candace Jenkins is a licensed insurance advisor with over a decade of experience. She is also a writer and loves to write on all things insurance. Candace writes for TrustedChoice.com on a continuous basis and is here with the facts about all your insurance inquiries.
Disability insurance is pretty cut-and-dried as far as the benefits offered, but there are several differences that should be noted and discussed. This article will help you make a good decision when purchasing your disability insurance.
A great independent insurance agent can help too. Think of them as your tour guide through the land of disability insurance. They are there to inform you of the facts and make sure you don't wander off into any pitfalls.
What Is Disability Insurance?
In a nutshell, disability insurance is a supplement to your income (usually 40% to 70%) that you can use to pay bills and stay afloat when you are unable to work due to an illness or disability.
But there are many different types of disability insurance and a number of intricate details and terminology associated with each. So please continue.
What's a Disability Insurance Benefit Period?
Benefit period: This is the maximum length of time predetermined by both parties (the insured and the insurer) that the insurance company will pay the disability benefit. Benefit periods longer than 1 year are considered long-term disability benefits. Benefit periods less than 1 year are considered short-term disability benefits.
Insured: The insured is the person or organization covered under the insurance policy. They are typically the owner of the insurance policy and pay the premiums, but not in every case.
Insurer: The insurer is the entity (typically an insurance company) that is providing the insurance coverage or policy to the insured.
It is best to discuss further details with your independent insurance agent. They can help you pick the right plan for you.
What Is the Elimination Period for Disability Insurance?
Elimination Period: The elimination period is the waiting period before the policy benefits start. In short-term disability plans, this can be as soon as seven days. In long-term disability plans, it is usually 90 days before the benefits kick in, all of which can be adjusted the more you’re willing to pay.
What Are Disability Insurance Riders and Their Benefits?
Disability insurance rider: Disability insurance riders are optional coverage that can be used to customize the plan to your individual needs. Some riders, like social insurance riders, are used to manage cost, while others, like cost of living benefits, are used to enhance coverage.
What Are Social Security Disability and State Disability Program Benefits?
Social Security Disability benefits can pay out for as long as you are disabled, until your normal retirement age. At that point, your disability benefit stops and your Social Security retirement benefit begins.
Five states, California, Hawaii, New York, Rhode Island, and Puerto Rico, have disability programs. The programs are different in each state.
How Much Does Disability Insurance Cost?
Disability insurance pricing and benefits are all different. Each policy, benefit amount and length, and insured are different. The varieties and combinations are vast.
That’s not an area that can be explained neatly or accurately, and it's best left up to your local independent insurance agent.
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What's So Great about Independent Insurance Agents?
Similar to your favorite childhood superhero, an independent insurance agent is there to save the day. They are equipped and well-trained in all things insurance. Working with a multitude of insurance providers, they are able to offer you the best coverage at a competitive rate.
An independent insurance agent is a modern-day hero in a world of cutthroat salespeople, making them the best choice in a sea of options. Choosing insurance is hard. Leave it up to the professionals and save yourself the work.