By Steven Buttice, Founder and President, Living By Your Design, Inc.
It’s late at night, you’re alone and driving home. You’re tired, but still have a couple miles to go. At last, you’re about a half mile from home. You relax and fall asleep at the wheel. You go off the road, waking up as you’re going over some big bumps. You’re off the road and heading for the ravine. You cannot stop or control your car. The car finally stops. Your back hurts; you’re tingling from the chest down. Your feeling starts to come back as you reach for your cell phone. Thank God, your phone is in the carrier and did not end up on the passenger floorboard. You call 911 for help.
The surgeons tell you that after surgery you will most likely recover well, but you have a 6 to 12 month road to recovery and you will not drive for three months. You will need someone with you most of the time the first month or two. Finally, after a week, you head home from the hospital.
Now the reality sets in and you realize this is a life-changing event. Does this type of thing only happen to me? No, the Society of Actuaries states the odds of a 35-year-old having a disability that lasts three months or longer is 41 percent. Since you cannot work, how can you replace your paycheck? Your spouse may also need to take more time off work to help during these first few months. Can you afford to lose her/his income also? What are you going to do? What if you cannot get back to work? How are you going to pay your house payment, groceries, and everything you need?
Knowing that over 41 percent of 35-year-olds will be disabled over 90 days; you may want to think about your personal situation. First, if you have employee health insurance, the employer plan may include disability coverage (DI). It is best to ask if your employer covers disabilities; when would coverage begin and how long would it pay? Further, do you think you may change jobs and lose your current coverage?
Plans are usually divided into two classifications: short term or long-term DI. Short-term plans may begin as soon as the 1st day for an accident, when you are not able to work. Sometimes, these plans begin on the 8th or 15th day. They usually pay about 66 percent of your wage, up to a set maximum amount for as long as six months. Long-term DI may coordinate with short term DI and start after 13 or 26 weeks and pay for several years or longer.
If the injury (or sickness) causes permanent disability, Social Security Disability (SSDI) may be available. SSDI may start as early as six months following a disability, but one of the requirements for SSDI is that the disability is expected to last at least one year. You will need to make application and Social Security will need medical records. Due to the process, your first check, if you qualify, may not come for a year.
As with most everything, it is best to plan for situations that could affect your life. If your employer does not have DI, you can purchase “paycheck protection” from an insurance company. These plans vary company to company, and it is advisable to secure help from a qualified insurance agent. He/she can help you identify your needs, the plan, and the benefits best for you. What happens if this accident happens to your spouse? Do you need this income? Think it can’t happen to you? Ask one of the 41 percent of the 35-year-olds if they thought it would happen to them.
DI is an area where you will, most likely, need the assistance of a professional insurance agent. Having your medical bills paid by insurance is good, but having money to live is critical. Feel free to contact our office for questions or additional information concerning your situation.
If you would like complimentary educational material on Disability/Paycheck Protection call or email us at 309-285-8088 or Steven@LivingByYourDesignInc.com.
For more information, contact Living By Your Design, Inc., focusing on the issues of older Americans: legal, financial, and free guidance for residential placement and healthcare issues. Call 309-285-8088 or visit the website, www.LivingByYourDesignInc.com. Our offices are located at 809 W. Detweiller Dr., Peoria.