How Much Does Disability Income Insurance Pay?

Disability income insurance replaces a percentage of your income if you’re ill or injured and unable to work. Whether you live alone or have family members that depend on you, having a portion of your income replaced can give you peace of mind and ease the stress of being ill and unable to work. Although it sounds like a good idea, is it worth it? And how much income replacement will you receive?

How Much Will Disability Income Insurance Pay?

Disability income insurance generally pays 45% -65% of your gross income if you have short-term disability coverage. Long-term disability insurance pays typically 40% – 50% of your gross income. The payments are tax free. As your monthly benefit increases, so will your premiums.

Are There Age Limits for Applying?

You must be at least 18 years old but not more than 60 years old to apply for disability income insurance.

How Much Are Disability Income Premiums?

Premiums are typically 1.5% and 3% of your gross income. Your gender, age, health status, and lifestyle affect your premiums. If you smoke, your premiums will be higher.

Infographic for disability income insurance from Hunt Insurance of Raleigh, NC

How Long Does Coverage Last?

Disability income coverage length depends on whether you’re receiving short-term or long-term disability insurance. You might be able to purchase a rider—or add-on—to extend your coverage period.

Short-term disability insurance – Although it depends on the policy, coverage usually lasts three to six months.

Long-term disability insurance – Most insurance companies have plans that have a maximum benefit period of two to ten years.

When Does Coverage Begin?

There is a waiting period—usually 30 days from the date your coverage begins—before you can receive benefit payments. If you become ill or injured and unable to work, there is usually a 30- to 45-day waiting period before the insurance company processes your first benefit payment. Payments are generally issued monthly.

Unless your policy states otherwise, disability income insurance payments don’t coordinate with Social Security Disability payments. You’ll receive separate checks.

How Much Disability Income Insurance Do You Need?

If you decide to purchase disability income insurance, purchase enough to care for your needs—food, shelter, and clothing. Your list of monthly expenses might include:

  • Cleaning supplies
  • Food
  • Health care
  • Internet
  • Mobile phone bill
  • Mortgage or rent payment
  • Necessary clothing
  • Needs for dependents living in your household
  • Personal care products
  • Transportation – car payment, gas, public transportation fees
  • Utilities

If you’re interested in partial income replacement if you’re unable to work for medical reasons, Hunt Insurance of Raleigh, NC, can help. We’ll review your options for disability income insurance and guide you in deciding how much disability income insurance you need.

Term Life vs. Whole Life Insurance – How to Decide

Trying to decide whether to purchase term life or whole life insurance? Although term life insurance is the most common selection, which one is right for you? After you understand the difference, it will be easier to select a policy.

What Is Term Life Insurance?

Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period or term. Coverage periods are usually offered in increments of five years—usually between ten and 30 years. When the term ends, you can renew the policy, convert to a permanent policy, or let the policy expire.

  • Premiums – Your age, health history, lifestyle, the term length, and the amount of coverage you want will affect your premiums. Term life insurance monthly premiums are less expensive than permanent life insurance premiums.
  • Payout – Your beneficiary is guaranteed a payout if you die during the term of your policy.
  • Cash value – Unlike permanent life insurance, term life doesn’t build cash value.

What term length should you choose?

Consider a policy that provides coverage until your dependent children, if any, have completed college and live on their own. At the end of the term, if you have fewer dependents, you can lower your coverage amount and save money on premiums. Or you can select a term that lasts until you retire if you’re leaving your retirement income to a beneficiary and can reduce your life insurance coverage.

What Is Whole Life Insurance?

Whole life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance. It provides coverage for your entire—or whole—life. Your beneficiary will receive a payout when you die. And the policy includes a use-it-or-lose-it cash savings account that accumulates over the years as you pay premiums.

  • Premiums – Your age, health history, lifestyle, and insurance coverage amount will affect your premiums. Whole life insurance monthly premiums are higher than term life premiums—five to fifteen times higher.
  • Payout – If your premium payments are current, your beneficiary is guaranteed to receive a payout.
  • Cash valueWhole life insurance builds cash value over time. It’s a tax-deferred “living benefit” for you. If you die, your beneficiary will receive the death benefit, but the cash value will return to the insurance company. 

It takes time to weigh the facts and decide which policy is best for you. Our post, Whole Life Insurance Policy – 5 Questions to Ask First, gives details on what you should consider before selecting whole life insurance.

How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?

Think about how much life insurance is needed to replace your income and care for your beneficiary and dependents if you die.

  • Some experts recommend that you purchase life insurance that equals ten to 12 times your annual income.
  • Other experts advise that you multiply your annual income times the number of years left until you retire.
  • If you have a stay-at-home spouse, consider the cost of caring for your children or home if your loved one predeceases you. Get life insurance for your spouse, too.
Infograph to highlight the differences between term and whole life insurance; from Hunt Insurance of Raleigh

Term Life vs. Whole Life – Five Questions to Ask Yourself

Take another look at the differences between term life and whole life insurance. Ask yourself the questions below. Confirm your reasoning with a licensed insurance agent who can help you compare your options, costs, and the long-term effects of the type of insurance you choose.

  1. How many family members will depend on my income for my entire life?
  2. Do I have debt that limits what I can afford to pay for premiums each month?
  3. What is the value of my assets and estate? Am I subject to an estate tax that I can pay with the tax-deferred cash value of a whole life insurance policy?
  4. Will I have enough savings to self-insure at the end of my term life policy, or will I need to renew or convert it?
  5. Do I have valid reasons to pay higher premiums for whole life insurance that builds cash value? Or can I invest elsewhere and get a higher return?

Start the conversation with Hunt Insurance of Raleigh-Durham, NC. Contact us today.