A Word to the Wise: Get Disability Insurance

By a Crown Heights resident

We hear a lot of talk about life insurance—term vs. whole life, how much coverage, what company to use—but what about something just as important, and far more likely to happen during your working years?

Disability.

Let me ask you plainly: Do you have disability insurance? Do you have a plan in place if, G-d forbid, something happens to you and you can’t work? What if you’re the sole breadwinner, and your wife is a stay-at-home mother? What happens if you’re suddenly disabled and unable to bring in income?

I’ve asked this question to countless people: “What’s your plan if you go down and can’t work for 6 months… or forever?”

The truth is shocking: Nearly 90% of people I speak with have no answer.

They’re not covered. No policy. No backup. No plan. Just hope.

Here’s the reality:
• 1 in 4 workers will become disabled before retirement.
• Most disabilities are not from freak accidents—they’re from illness, injury, or chronic conditions.
• Social Security Disability pays little and takes months to process—if you even qualify.

Meanwhile, your rent or mortgage, groceries, tuition, car payments, and basic living expenses continue to pile up. You may need $8,000–$12,000 a month just to stay afloat.

Without income, how will your family survive?

I believe disability insurance is just as essential as life insurance. The cost is usually modest, and the coverage can be the difference between stability and collapse.

So take a step back and ask yourself: “If I couldn’t work starting tomorrow, what happens next?”

Be smart.
Be prepared.
Be responsible.

Your family is counting on you.