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Disability Insurance
Enables you to protect your number one asset - your ability to earn an income.
What is disability insurance?
Disability insurance is a critical financial safety net, offering a monthly, tax-free cash benefit in the event that an injury or illness hinders your ability to work and earn an income. Disability insurance is specifically designed to substitute a portion of your income that is lost due to disability. You can choose to spend the funds as you see fit.
Often, there's a misconception that disabilities are always physically apparent. However, it's important to recognize that disabilities encompass a broad spectrum, including not only physical impairments but also serious illnesses and mental health conditions that may not be immediately visible.
The duration of disabilities can greatly vary, ranging from short-term to long-term conditions. Each scenario requires different levels of financial and personal adjustment.
The absence of a regular income can jeopardize your ability to fulfill financial commitments and sustain your family's needs. Additionally, such a situation might force you to dip into your retirement savings, thereby derailing your long-term financial plans. Disability insurance serves as an essential tool to safeguard your income, ensuring that you can maintain your financial responsibilities and stay on course with your future financial goals.
Monthly income
A regular monthly cash benefit payment that you can use for whatever you need.
Fills Coverage Gap
Canada Pension Plan (CPP) disability benefits are limited and may be more restrictive.
Portable
Most employer plans end if you leave your job. Individual disability plans can go with you throughout your career(s).
Personalized
Disability coverage can be customized based on your unique personal needs.
How does disability insurance work?
Selecting Your Coverage: Begin by working with an advisor to determine the amount of coverage you need, which will dictate the level of financial support you'll receive in case of disability.
Premium Payments: Regular premium payments are required to maintain your coverage. These premiums vary based on your chosen coverage amount, age, occupation, and other factors.
Filing a Claim: In the event that you become disabled, you will need to file a claim with your insurance provider.
- Commencement of Benefits: After the completion of the waiting period, often referred to as the 'Elimination Period', your monthly tax-free benefits will begin. This waiting period is a predefined duration that starts from the onset of your disability and lasts until the benefits kick in.
- Utilization of Benefits: The cash benefit you receive can be used at your discretion, aiding in financial stability and recovery efforts. This flexibility allows you to allocate funds where they are most needed, whether for medical expenses, daily living costs, or other financial obligations.
- Duration of Payments: These benefit payments continue either until the end of the predetermined benefit period or until you are able to return to work, whichever occurs first. It's important to understand the terms of your policy regarding the length of the benefit period and conditions for the cessation of payments.
Why should you have disability insurance?
If you are in your working years, disability insurance should be a foundational component of your insurance planning and risk management strategy. Your ability to earn an income is your most important asset - because without income it's usually impossible to pay for all the other important things in life.
It's common
On average, 1 in 3 Canadians become disabled for 90 days or longer before age 65.
Replace lost income
You receive a substantial portion of your pre-disability income so you can stay on track financially.
Protect your savings
Your retirement savings are earmarked for retirement, not medical bills.
Focus on recovery
Recover easier knowing you're financially secure and have cash to pay for your regular expenses.
Safeguarding Your Greatest Asset
We tend to regard tangible assets like our homes, cars, or investment portfolios as our most valuable possessions, however our capacity to earn an income surpasses all these in value. Our ability to earn an income is the foundation upon which all other assets are built and maintained.
To illustrate the true value of your earning potential, consider the table below. It projects your potential career earnings up to the age of 65, based on your current annual income. This projection assumes an annual increase of 2.5%, reflecting typical career advancements and raises. This perspective helps in understanding just how significant your earning ability is over the course of your career.
Get help with your disability insurance planning.
Speak with a professional advisor who can help.
How much does disability insurance cost?
There are a number of factors that can affect plan pricing, including:
Age & Gender
Generally, insurance cost less for younger age groups, and more for older age groups. Females are statistically more likely to have more prolonged disabilities compared to males.
Occupation
Insurance costs are affected by the relative risk associated with your profession.
Coverage amount
Naturally, larger coverage amounts cost more than lower coverage amounts.
Benefit period
This is how long your policy will pay a benefit for. The longer the duration, the higher the cost.
Waiting period
This is how long you must wait before your policy will begin to pay a benefit. Shorter the duration, the higher the cost.
Health history
Insurance cost can be affected by health history. Cost will be lower when there is little history.
How much disability insurance can you get?
Your income will dictate how much coverage you are eligible for. Each insurance company will have it's own guidelines as to what percentage of your income they will insure.
The following table is intended to offer a sense of the maximum amount you could potentially receive tax-free each month in the event of a disability claim. These are just approximate figures – your actual maximum benefit amount will depend on factors such as insurance company, as well as age and occupation. Your insurance advisor can assist you in calculating what benefit amounts you may be eligible for.
What is included in my government disability benefits?
In the event you become disabled you may be eligible for Canada Pension Plan (CPP), and Quebec Pension Plan (QPP), however it is important to understand they offer limited benefits and may be difficult to qualify for due to the definitions of disability those programs use.
Definition of disability
In order to qualify for disability benefits under CPP/QPP, one must “have a severe and prolonged mental or physical disability”. You may be able to get your own individual disability policy with a more relaxed definition.
Monthly benefit amount
Under CPP disability the maximum disability benefit is $1,464.83 per month as of 2022. The average disability benefit paid out as of October 2021 was $1,050.29 per month. These amounts are taxable, and are therefore included in your taxable income.
Is Employer-Provided Disability Insurance Sufficient for Your Needs?
While employer-provided group disability insurance is a valuable foundation, it often offers limited coverage. Supplementing it with a personal disability policy can enhance your protection, ensuring comprehensive security for you, your family, and your lifestyle in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Get in touch
Talk to an advisor who can understand your situation, answer your questions and help you build an insurance plan appropriate for you and your family.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to key questions about Disability Insurance
The Canadian government provides disability benefits through public programs. These benefits are designed to provide basic income support and are subject to eligibility criteria and program rules. Public disability benefits may not replace a person’s full income, which is why some individuals consider additional private coverage.
Disability insurance is designed to provide income support when a person is unable to work due to a qualifying disability, as defined in the policy. Coverage definitions vary by insurer and policy, and eligibility depends on the specific terms of the contract.
Employer-sponsored disability coverage can vary significantly in terms of benefit amount, duration, portability, and definitions. Some individuals review additional coverage to understand whether their existing plan aligns with their personal needs, particularly if their employment situation changes.
Age and income are commonly considered when evaluating disability insurance needs, as policies are designed to help replace a portion of income if a disability occurs. The appropriate amount and structure of coverage depends on individual circumstances and policy terms.
The amount of disability insurance that may be appropriate depends on personal financial obligations, existing coverage, and other sources of income. Coverage needs are typically assessed based on individual circumstances rather than a fixed formula.
Still have questions?
Please contact our office and we'll be happy to address any questions you may have.
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