Do I Need Long-Term Disability Insurance In Florida?
Insurance is designed to protect us against major financial losses in the event the unexpected happens. Going without it basically means playing the odds and hoping nothing unforeseeable occurs.
With some types of insurance, such as auto or certain homeowners policies, you are required to have coverage in place. Other types of policies, such as life, accidental death, and disability insurance, are optional. Our Jacksonville long-term disability lawyer explains more about disability benefits and why you might need this type of policy.
How Long-Term Disability Insurance Helps To Protect You
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, more than 60 million people suffer from some type of disability that impacts their health. Physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments can make it hard to perform certain types of otherwise routine daily tasks.
When disabilities interfere with your job and prevent you from working, long-term disability insurance can help make up for your lost income. There are three basic types of long-term disability coverage available:
- Employer-provided policies: Many employers provide long-term disability benefits as part of your overall employee compensation package.
- Social Security disability: Provided you have earned enough work credits and have a qualifying condition, you may also be entitled to Social Security disability benefits.
- Privately purchased policies: In cases where you are not eligible for other types of long-term disability benefits, or you want to supplement your current coverage, you may be able to purchase a private policy.
Why Long-Term Disability Coverage Is Important
Long-term disability benefits are vitally important, as they provide a regular source of income in the event you are unable to work. Statistics from the Social Security Administration (SSA) indicate that roughly one out of every four current 20-year-olds will become disabled prior to reaching retirement age. In assessing your risks, consider the following:
- Family history: Does your family have a history of chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, strokes, cancer, or other disorders?
- Your current health: Do you currently suffer from a chronic health condition, or have you experienced a serious personal injury in the past?
- Your lifestyle: Do you eat properly, get adequate rest, and visit your doctor regularly? Do you engage in unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking or excessive drinking, or participate in hobbies or activities that could endanger your health?
Considering your answers to the above questions, review any current long-term disability policies you have in place. Your employer is required to provide copies of policy-related documents free of charge and at your request. You can check eligibility for Social Security disability benefits via recent statements or on the SSA website.
Our Florida Long-Term Disability Lawyer Is Here To Help
At Farrell Disability Law, we protect the rights of people who suffer from long-term disabilities and help them get the benefits they are entitled to. If you are unable to work or have a previously denied claim, contact our Florida long-term disability lawyer. Request a consultation in our Orlando or Jacksonville office today.
Sources:
cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/infographic-disability-impacts-all.html
ssa.gov/benefits/disability/
ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10029.pdf
