According to the U.S. Census Bureau , nearly one in every five Americans is living with a disability. In addition to the emotional and logistical issues a disability can bring, it can also mean financial stress both for the person with a disability and their loved ones. Census Bureau statistics show that adults aged 21 to 64 without a disability had median monthly earnings of $2,724. However, those with disabilities earned a median monthly income of just $1,961.
While the word “disability” may immediately conjure up images of wheelchairs, disabilities come in many different forms.
Here are ten of the most common conditions that are considered disabilities:
- Arthritis and other musculoskeletal problems. We depend on our muscles and joints to help us move in both our everyday lives and at work. When arthritis and other musculoskeletal issues strike, it can make it difficult or impossible to work.
- Heart disease. According to WebMD, heart disease is estimated to be responsible for a whopping 17% of all of the health costs in the U.S. today. As the condition worsens, it can become impossible to continue working.
- Lung or respiratory problems. COPD and other lung ailments are a common reason to file for disability benefits. Lung conditions can affect people of all ages, making it difficult to breathe.
- Mental illness, including depression. Mental health conditions, including depression, can be just as disabling as physical health conditions and are a common reason for filing for disability benefits.
- Diabetes. Linked to other causes on this list, including obesity and heart disease, diabetes is another common cause of disability among people in the U.S.
- Stroke. The effects of a stroke can range from very mild to life-altering. Depending on the severity, after a stroke, the victim may not be able to work again, at least in the short-term.
- Cancer. The impact of cancer – and of standard treatments for it – can be disabling.
- Nervous system disorders. Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, Epilepsy, and other conditions that affect the brain and nerves are common and can affect both the young and young-at-heart alike.
- Injuries sustained in accidents. Anyone of us could become injured at any time as the result of an accident at home, at work, or anywhere else. When those injuries impact your ability to do your job, you have a disability.
- Pregnancy. Yes, you read that right. While pregnancy isn’t a disability in the typical sense of the word, employers often provide short-term disability benefits for pregnant employees. If complications arise, there may also be a need for more long-term benefits.
How Disability Insurance Can Protect You and Your Loved Ones
When disability strikes – whatever form it takes – your monthly financial obligations will still be there. That’s where disability income insurance can help.
While Social Security Disability may be available, it can be extremely challenging to qualify for benefits, and the process of obtaining benefits can take months or even years. In part, that’s because Social Security benefits are based on an “any occupation” definition of disability. This means that you must be able to prove that you are unable to work in any occupation for which you are otherwise qualified by your education and experience.
When you purchase disability income insurance from your insurance agent, you can create a policy designed to help provide extra funds for you and your family if a disability prevents you from working in your occupation. Those monthly benefit payments can be used to help you meet your ongoing obligations, helping you get back on your feet faster.
Call us today to get quotes for disability insurance 985-206-9200.