Disability Insurance

I'm looking for a disability insurance definition—what is it exactly?

Disability insurance can replace a portion of your income if you're ever too sick or injured to work. It can also help cover the cost of help you might need if you spend your days at home taking care of a child or parent and become disabled. See how much coverage you need.

Why do I need disability insurance?

If you depend on your income, it's important to protect it. Disability insurance can close the gap between the coverage you have through your employer's group policy and what you'll need to maintain your lifestyle if you get sick or injured and can't work. See how much coverage you need.

My company provides disability insurance. Isn't that enough?

You might think you don't need disability insurance if you have coverage through work. But in most cases, that only covers around 50-60% of your income—and only for a certain amount of time. Plus, you'll have to pay taxes on any payments you get from that coverage. But when you have your own policy, you can get closer to having 100% of your income covered, the payments you get will not be taxed, and you'll stay covered even if you change jobs. Calculate your coverage amount.

Wouldn't I get disability insurance benefits from Social Security?

There is a disability insurance component to Social Security. But the benefit payments are likely to be lower and qualifying for benefits can be more difficult than with a private policy. Connect with an advisor.

What does disability insurance cost?

Disability insurance is generally quite affordable. In fact, most policies cost less than a daily cup of coffee.² When you buy a disability insurance policy, you pay a premium based on the length and type of coverage you choose, your health, the benefit amount, and other factors. Connect with an advisor.

Who is eligible for coverage?

Northwestern Mutual's disability insurance covers more people than ever before, including stay-at-home parents, caregivers, and part-time employees. Find out how disability insurance can help protect you.

How does disability insurance work?

There are two types of disability insurance policies, short-term and long-term. Short-term disability (STD) is usually provided by your employer and is designed to replace a portion of your income for a short period of time, like several months.

Long-term disability (LTD) gives you coverage if you're out of work for a longer period of time because of a more severe or permanent disability. LTD is sometimes offered as a workplace benefit, but it's typically purchased as an individual policy. Coverage is designed to last for many years—even through retirement if needed.

LTD and STD policies work best in tandem because LTD doesn't kick in right away and there's an elimination period, while an STD policy kicks in more immediately. Connect with an advisor.

The Northwestern Mutual difference

No. 1 ranked for disability income insurance

Top ranked for disability income insurance⁴

$500M in expected disability insurance dividends paid back to our policyowners

in expected disability insurance dividends paid back to our policyowners in 2022⁵