Disability Insurance
What Happens to Your Family If You Can't Work?
Your income is the foundation everything else is built on. Disability insurance protects it — replacing a portion of your earnings if illness or injury keeps you from working, so your family's life doesn't have to stop.
The Risk Nobody Talks About
Most people insure their car, their home, even their phone — but forget to protect the asset that pays for all of it: their income. A serious illness or injury can sideline you for months or years, and without income protection, your savings can disappear fast.
As independent advisors, Sherry or Tom will shop multiple carriers to find the right disability policy for your occupation, income level, and budget — with no pressure and no one-size-fits-all solutions.
1 in 4
workers will experience a disability before retirement
90%
of disabling injuries and illnesses are not work-related
34 months
average length of a long-term disability claim
Types of Coverage
Three Levels of Income Protection
Disability coverage isn't one-size-fits-all. The right policy depends on your occupation, income, and how long you could manage without a paycheck.
Short-Term Disability
Bridge coverage for the first few months
Covers a portion of your income for a short period — typically 3 to 6 months — following an illness, injury, or surgery. Often offered through employers, but coverage limits vary widely and may not be enough.
Best for
- Employees with limited employer-provided coverage
- Those recovering from surgery or a short-term condition
- Anyone who needs a financial bridge while healing
Long-Term Disability
The policy that truly protects your future
Kicks in after short-term coverage ends and can replace income for years — or until retirement age. This is the policy that truly protects your financial future if you face a serious, lasting condition.
Best for
- Anyone whose family depends on their income
- Self-employed professionals with no employer safety net
- High-income earners who need to protect their lifestyle
Own-Occupation Coverage
The gold standard for professionals
Pays benefits if you can't perform the specific duties of your own occupation — even if you could technically work in another field. Critical for doctors, attorneys, dentists, and other specialized professionals.
Best for
- Physicians, surgeons, and dentists
- Attorneys, CPAs, and financial professionals
- Any specialist whose income depends on a specific skill set
Who Needs It
If You Earn an Income, You Need This Coverage
Self-Employed Professionals
No employer safety net, no paid sick leave, no group policy. If you can't work, you don't get paid — and your business may not survive without you.
Families with One Primary Earner
When one income supports the whole household, losing it — even temporarily — can mean missed mortgage payments, depleted savings, and real financial hardship.
Employees with Gaps in Coverage
Group disability plans through employers often replace only 60% of base salary and exclude bonuses. A supplemental policy fills the gap.
High-Income Earners
The more you earn, the more you have to lose. Own-occupation and high-limit policies ensure your lifestyle is protected, not just your basic bills.
Find Out What You're Really Covered For
Most people don't know how much — or how little — disability coverage they actually have. Tom or Sherry Branda will review your current coverage and show you exactly where the gaps are.