Top 10 Causes of Disabilities in the U.S. and Why You Need Disability Insurance

Oct. 16, 2017

According to the United States Department of Health and Human services, one in four (61 million) Americans are 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.

While the word “disability” may immediately conjure up images of wheelchairs, disabilities come in many different forms. Having disability insurance can help you gain peace of mind and be protected financially if you were to get injured or face one of the following conditions that are considered disabilities.

Here are 10 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.

Symmetry Financial Group Can Help You Explore Your Options

At Symmetry Financial Group, we have helped many clients protect their income with disability insurance tailored to their needs. As an independent insurance agency, we are proud to be able to offer products from a wide variety of insurance companies. That means we can help you find a policy that will meet both your needs and your budget.

To learn more about how disability insurance can protect you and your family, request a quote for disability insurance today.


 

Would You Like to Request a Quote?
Please fill out the short form so we can provide you with the policy options to best match your coverage and financial needs.
Request a Quote