Supplemental Disability Insurance
Why Do You Need It?
by Jack Le

Group long term disability insurance is a great tool for employers to have in their employee benefits package. This insurance will provide a valuable benefit for company employees. It will also attract new employees as well as help retain existing employees.

Group LTD typically offer employees a 60% salary continuation in the event of a long term disability. It usually has a 3 or 6 month waiting period and a typical benefit period to age 65. This benefit is usually free, or associated with a very small cost to the employee. It is common for employers to pay the premiums for group long term disability.

Group LTD is a valuable benefit to have but there are a few questions that need to be considered…
• Are group LTD benefits taxed?
• Are commissions and bonuses covered?
• Are employers able to cancel their DI benefits?
• What is the definition of total disability?
• Is coverage transportable to other employers?
-If not, will you be able to medically qualify and afford individual DI later?

Group LTD benefits are taxed just like regular income if the employer pays the premiums. The 60% income replacement actually is much less as a result of taxes. This may be alarming to most. Few individuals can maintain their way of life and their financial goals if they have to live off less than 60% of their current income.

Group LTD typically does not cover you for the income that you earn from commissions or bonuses.If a significant portion of your income comes from commissions or bonuses, be sure to note that it is not likely to be covered under group LTD. Group LTD typically only covers your regular earned salary.

Companies can cancel their group LTD program, usually to cut costs. Group LTD is typically non-convertible to an individual policy. You may lose your group LTD coverage if you switch to another employer that does not offer this type of benefit. You will then have to purchase an individual disability insurance policy on your own. However, you must consider whether you can medically qualify or afford the coverage at a later time. DI coverage may become a greater financial obstacle at a later time. As age increases, prices will also increase to keep up with the increased risk of disability.

A Group LTD policy typically contains an “own-occupation” definition of disability while on claim for an initial period (often two years). If you remain disabled, benefits will then only continue if you are unable to work in any occupation which you are suited by education, training or experience. This definition may limit the number of disability scenarios for which benefits are payable by the group carrier, and may certainly limit the length of time for which those benefits will be payable.

Supplemental disability insurance would help close the gap in coverage presented by group LTD. An individually-owned policy will allow more income coverage due to the tax-free nature of benefits (assuming premiums are paid for by the individual). Income earned from commissions and bonus may also be covered. Supplemental DI is individually owned and cannot be cancelled by the insurance company. It can only be cancelled via written request by the insured or through non-payment of premium.

True own-occupation disability insurance is available for those working in qualified occupations. With a true own-occupation policy, you will be issued a monthly benefit if you cannot work in your own occupation due to a sickness or injury. Benefits will continue even if you choose to earn an income in another occupation.This will allow you to do something meaningful with your life and earn an income instead of sitting at home waiting for the next month’s check to come in.

For more information on the need for supplemental DI, please contact your disability insurance specialist or me directly at (888) 513 – 2300 Ext; 30 or email at jle@disabilityquotes.com.

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