1. 0 POINTS
    David RacichPRO
    Fountain Hills, Arizona
    Disability insurance is extremely important. The street vernacular calls disability insurance paycheck protection. With most Americans have less than 90 days of reserve cash for expenses, it important to buy as to the maximum limits. The first step is to determine your legitimate earnings to establish your compensation. Then you have an important decision to make: pay the premium after tax for a tax free benefit of up to 60% of your compensation or pay the premium pretax for a taxable benefit up to 80% of your compensation, provided that you have ability to use the premium as a legitimate business deduction. Depending upon your gender, age, nonsmoking status and good health condition you should be ready to pay 5 to 8% of your compensation.
     

    Answered on June 8, 2013
  2. 2180 POINTS
    Kelly Moser
    Social Media Strategist, Disability Insurance Services, California
    When deciding on your monthly benefit, it's important to note that most carriers will only offer up to 60 to 65% of your current income.  You have to decide whether not you could sustain your lifestyle on any less than that, otherwise, it's best to go with the maximum amount allowable. The average American only has 6 months worth of savings, so keep in mind that your cash reserves won't last forever.  You never know when you'll become permanently disabled.  if that happened, you'd want your benefit to be the highest possible so that you could maintain as much of your lifestyle as possible.  If you want even more coverage, you can look into Critical Illness Insurance (pays out a lump sum), Retirement Disability Insurance, and, if you're a business owner, business overhead expense DI.
    Answered on October 7, 2013
  3. 2180 POINTS
    Kelly Moser
    Social Media Strategist, Disability Insurance Services, California
    Considering most policies will only cover between 60-75% of your income, you should be applying for the max benefit.  You'll want to take account of everything you pay for on a monthly basis, as well as the costs that will accrue if you're unable to work (co-pays, assisted care, etc.).  Also, keep in mind that you won't be making any retirement contributions while your not making paycheck...
    Answered on December 2, 2013
  4. 63333 POINTS
    Peggy Mace
    Most of the U.S.
    The amount of Disability Insurance you can get is based on a percentage of your income. DI policies can offer up to 70% of your income. Combined with Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, the total benefit might run even a little higher.

    Since your benefit is tax free, you don't need to have 100% of your salary replaced. And DI policies do not offer the option of paying 100% of your salary, because they do not want you to lose the incentive to go back to work.

    The amount you should get depends on your circumstances, but most experts suggest 60-70% of your income.
    Answered on August 5, 2014
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