Disability insurance replaces part of your income, often about 60% of your earnings, if an illness or injury keeps you from working. We help Southwest Florida workers, self-employed people and business owners compare individual disability policies from several carriers.
| Plan type | Individual short-term or long-term disability income insurance |
| Who it’s for | Working adults who rely on their paycheck, including self-employed people and business owners |
| Typical benefit | About 60% of your earned income before the disability |
| Waiting period | Often 30 days or more before benefits start; a longer wait lowers the premium |
| Benefit period | From one year up to retirement age |
| Taxes | Benefits from a policy you pay for yourself are generally income-tax-free |
Your ability to earn an income is likely your biggest financial asset. Disability insurance protects it by paying you a monthly benefit if an illness or injury keeps you from working. According to the Social Security Administration, a worker who turns 20 in 2026 has about a 1 in 4 chance of becoming disabled before full retirement age (SSA Actuarial Note 2026.6).
Short-term disability typically replaces part of your pay for about 3 to 6 months. Long-term disability generally starts after about 6 months and can pay for years, or until retirement, depending on the policy (NAIC).
A noncancelable policy can’t be changed, and its premium can’t go up, until the age stated in the policy. A guaranteed renewable policy must be renewed, but the insurer can raise premiums for a whole class of policyholders. Noncancelable coverage usually costs more.
Employer group disability coverage usually ends when you leave the job, and benefits from a plan your employer pays for may be taxable. Benefits from an individual policy you pay for yourself are generally income-tax-free. Many people use an individual policy to fill the gap, or to have coverage that stays with them if they change jobs.
Your age, health, occupation and income, plus the benefit amount, waiting period, benefit period, definition of disability and any riders you choose.
Through our brokerage partner, MCC Brokerage, we can compare disability policies from multiple carriers. We’ll help you choose a benefit amount, waiting period and benefit period that fit your budget and your savings, and explain the definition of disability in plain language before you apply.
Talk with Charles “Chuck” Lunsford, a Florida-licensed agent since 1994. No cost, no obligation.
Most individual policies pay about 60% of your earned income before the disability. Insurers generally won’t cover 100% of your pay, so you still have a reason to return to work.
That depends on the waiting period you choose when you buy the policy. 30 days is common, and choosing a longer wait, such as 90 days, lowers your premium. Savings can help bridge the gap.
It’s worth checking. Group coverage usually ends when you leave the job, may replace less of your income than you expect, and benefits from an employer-paid plan may be taxable. An individual policy can fill those gaps.
Benefits from an individual policy you pay for with after-tax money are generally income-tax-free. Benefits from a plan your employer pays for may be taxable. A tax professional can confirm how this applies to you.
Yes. Individual disability insurance is often the only income protection a self-employed person or business owner has. Expect to document your income, for example with tax returns, when you apply.
Tell us what you’re looking for and the best time to reach you. We usually call back within one business day.
Prefer to talk now? Call (239) 633-4392.