What happens when an injury or illness leaves you unable to work for an extended period? In Texas, some employers offer long-term disability as part of a benefits package, and those employees who take advantage of the coverage may find themselves in a much better situation than those who opt-out.
Long-term disability coverage is critical in providing income when you are not physically or mentally able to earn a paycheck. While it does not pay your entire salary, it may cover up to 70%, depending on the plan you chose at enrollment. Jon Michael Smith and staff are here to provide you with a look into the basics of long-term disability. This way, you can make a more informed choice during open enrollment and beyond.
Qualifications
Enrollment in a long-term disability plan is optional. Some employers incentivize employees to enroll in disability insurance benefits by making the monthly contribution extremely low. There are larger companies that pay the entire premium on behalf of employees. If you work full time (at least 30 hours per week) and have worked for the same employer for a requisite time (usually 90 days), then you should qualify to use the benefits.
Coverage
When you find out that you are facing a medical crisis, your doctor may put you out on disability. Within 14 days, you may start drawing benefits from your plan. These days, the most common reason for lengthy absences from work include:
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Pregnancy
Understand that this type of benefit is not the same as workers’ compensation.
Find out more about the type of coverage and benefits you can expect on long-term disability by visiting our webpage here.