TDCI Raises Awareness of the Importance of Disability Insurance in May

NASHVILLE – May is recognized as Disability Insurance Awareness Month, and the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) encourages all Tennesseans to consider protecting one of their most important assets – their paycheck.

In essence, disability insurance is insurance for your income. It replaces a portion of your income if you are unable to work due to an illness or injury. Without disability insurance, even those who experience a short-term illness or injury can quickly run out of money without a backup plan to replace their lost income.

“Disability insurance is an often-overlooked line of insurance, but it can provide significant benefits to policyholders at a time of great need,” said TDCI Commissioner Carter Lawrence. “Disability insurance protects a policyholder by providing financial assistance that can help cover the cost of expenses such as food, mortgages, or tuition that might otherwise be difficult to afford if the policyholder were to lose his/her ability to earn a living.”

Short- and long-term disability insurance can help working Tennesseans protect themselves in the event of an illness or injury.

Remember:

• Short-term insurance will typically replace a portion of a policyholder’s salary for three to six months.
• Long-term insurance will generally begin six months after the disability and can last for years or even until retirement age.

Disability insurance and other income protection insurance products can typically be obtained through employer-sponsored benefits or can be purchased individually.

Employers can play an important role in providing access to disability insurance for their employees. However, many individuals may also wish to purchase this type of insurance outside of their employer-sponsored plans. TDCI offers consumers the expertise of the Consumer Insurance Services (CIS) Team, which educates consumers and mediates insurance-related disputes.

Consumers who wish to learn more about disability insurance may reach out to our CIS Team by calling (615) 741-2218 or (800) 342-4029. Treated unfairly by an insurance company or agent? Visit our website and file a complaint today.

###