A serious illness or injury can harm more than your health—it can have an impact on your ability to work and meet your family’s living expenses. Long-term disability income insurance helps you pay living expenses while you are unable to work. It offers paycheck protection— providing cash directly to you for spending on mortgage payments or rent, groceries, utility bills, car payments, or whatever else you choose. A policy also can pay for training or other assistance you may need to return to work.

With disability income insurance, you can avoid depleting the savings you may have accumulated for your children’s education or your retirement. This guide outlines the features and costs of individual disability income insurance and offers tips and a checklist on buying the policy right for you.