Your income is your most valuable asset. Calculate exactly how much disability coverage you need to maintain your lifestyle if you couldn't work.
A 35-year-old is 3x more likely to become disabled than to die before age 65. Yet most people have no disability insurance. Social Security Disability is extremely difficult to qualify for — the average benefit is under $1,500/month. This calculator shows your real income protection gap.
💰 Your Income
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$
$
$
🏦 Existing Coverage & Resources
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$
mo
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⚙️ Policy Parameters
Monthly Disability Benefit Needed
$0/mo
Coverage gap after existing benefits and resources
Income Replacement Target
$0/mo
60-70% of gross income
Existing Coverage
$0/mo
Employer + other income
Monthly Coverage Gap
$0/mo
Amount you need to buy
Emergency Fund Runway
0 mo
Before benefits kick in
Income Protection Analysis
Monthly gross income—
Target replacement (70%)—
Existing LTD/STD benefits—
Spouse/other income—
Monthly coverage gap—
Estimated monthly premium—
⚠️ Check your employer LTD carefully: Most employer LTD policies cover only 60% of base salary, exclude bonuses, have a maximum benefit cap, and are taxable if employer-paid. Individual disability policies are more comprehensive and portable. Always read your policy's definition of "disability" — own-occupation definitions are far more valuable than any-occupation.
Get disability insurance quotes
Protect your most valuable asset — your income. Individual disability policies are portable, comprehensive, and tax-free at claim.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is disability insurance and do I need it? ▾
Disability insurance replaces a portion of your income (typically 60-70% of gross) if illness or injury prevents you from working. You need it if: you have dependents who rely on your income, you have financial obligations (mortgage, loans), you have less than 6+ months of expenses saved, or you work in a field where disability is likely. The Social Security Administration estimates 1 in 4 workers will experience a disabling condition before reaching retirement age.
What is the elimination period and how does it affect cost? ▾
The elimination period is the waiting period before benefits begin — similar to a deductible in time rather than dollars. Common options are 30, 60, 90, or 180 days. A 90-day elimination period is the sweet spot for most people — it's affordable (longer elimination = lower premium) and aligns with most short-term disability coverage. Make sure your emergency fund covers the elimination period.
Own-occupation vs any-occupation disability — what's the difference? ▾
Own-occupation (own-occ) pays if you can't perform the duties of YOUR specific occupation — even if you could work in another field. Any-occupation pays only if you're unable to work in ANY occupation. Own-occ is significantly more valuable and more expensive. For professionals (doctors, attorneys, engineers) own-occ is essential — without it, you could be forced into a different career. Most employer group plans offer any-occ coverage; individual policies often offer own-occ.