Common Disability Insurance Myths and Misconceptions
There are many common myths and misconceptions about disability income insurance (DI) that can make it difficult to understand how coverage works. Learning the facts can help individuals make more informed decisions when evaluating income protection options.
Overcoming DI Myths
When you learn the truth about DI myths, you have a better understanding of income protection and how it could fit into your financial future.
MYTH 1
I don’t need DI.
Workers’ compensation typically covers medical bills and some lost wages if you experience a work-related accident or illness. DI covers you 24/7, on or off the job, not just when you’re working.
DI can help you maintain an income if an illness or injury stops you from working to earn a paycheck.
Workers' compensation and disability insurance comparison
The animation compares workers' compensation and disability insurance. Workers' compensation is shown covering on-the-job situations but not off-the-job situations. Disability insurance is shown covering both on-the-job and off-the-job situations.
MYTH 2
DI is just for high-risk jobs and catastrophic injuries.
Common causes of disability claims
The animation shows that disability claims can result from many types of illnesses and injuries, not just high-risk jobs or catastrophic accidents. Examples include musculoskeletal conditions, cancer, mental health conditions, circulatory conditions, nervous system disorders, respiratory conditions, accidental injuries, and other medical conditions.
DI provides a benefit for income-interrupting disabilities due to many types of illnesses or injuries.1
There’s a misconception that you should only have DI if you have a high-risk job, but DI can be a great fit for nurses, truck drivers, farmers, dental hygienists and other hard-working Americans.
MYTH 3
An illness or injury won’t keep me out of work for very long.
The average duration of a long-term disability claim in the U.S. is 34 months.2 You’ll need time to rest and recover if an illness or injury is serious enough to interrupt your income and prevent you from working.
Long-term disability claim duration
The animation shows a calendar with days marked off, representing that an illness or injury can keep someone out of work longer than expected.
MYTH 4
My finances will be fine if an illness or injury keeps me out of work.
Financial impact of a delayed paycheck
The animation shows a piggy bank, representing how a delayed paycheck caused by an illness or injury could create financial difficulty.
Nearly 78% of Americans
would experience financial difficulties if their paychecks were delayed for a week.3
Understanding the facts about DI can help you better evaluate your options. Exploring how coverage works and what it may provide can be an important step in planning for income protection.
Sources
1Disability Approval Guide, Most Common Disability Claims Awarded Monthly Benefits: Top 10 Medical Conditions (Claims as of 2022)
2Council for Disability Income Awareness, 2024.
3PayrollOrg. "Getting Paid in America Survey Results Report". National Payroll Week Campaign, 2025.