Model your financial reality if you became disabled tomorrow. See exactly how long your savings last and the true financial impact of no disability coverage.
The average long-term disability claim lasts 31 months. For serious conditions (cancer, back/spine, mental health), it can last years or permanently. This calculator shows the financial impact so you can make an informed coverage decision.
💰 Your Monthly Finances
$
$
$
$
🏥 If Disabled
$
$
$
Monthly Income Shortfall if Disabled
$0/mo
Savings depleted in 0 months
Monthly Income Gap
$0
Lost income vs expenses
Savings Runway
0 months
Until savings depleted
Total Financial Impact
$0
Over modeled disability period
% of Expenses Covered
0%
By existing benefits
Month-by-Month Financial Impact
Current monthly income—
Income if disabled (all benefits)—
Monthly shortfall—
Current savings—
Savings cover shortfall for—
Deficit after savings depleted (per mo)—
Total financial hole over period—
Close your disability income gap
An individual disability policy covers what employer plans miss — and follows you regardless of where you work.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of income does disability insurance replace? ▾
Most disability insurance policies replace 60-70% of your pre-disability gross income. This is intentional — it keeps a financial incentive to return to work. Employer-paid LTD benefits are typically taxable, so your net benefit is lower. Individual policies paid with after-tax dollars produce tax-free benefits, meaning 60% tax-free often approximates your usual take-home pay.
How long does a disability claim typically last? ▾
According to the Council for Disability Awareness, the average long-term disability claim lasts 31.2 months. But this average is dragged down by shorter claims — serious conditions last much longer. Back/spine disorders: average 2.9 years. Cancer: 2.3 years. Mental health: 3.5 years. This is why 'benefit to age 65' policies matter — a disability at 40 could mean 25 years without earned income.
What does SSDI pay and is it easy to get? ▾
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays an average of about $1,500/month (as of 2026). It's very difficult to qualify — about 60% of initial applications are denied. The application process takes 3-5 months on average, and appeals can take 1-2 years. You must be unable to do any substantial work, and the condition must be expected to last 12+ months. SSDI is a safety net, not a plan — you cannot rely on it as your primary disability coverage.