Benefits Buzz

Disability Benefits Play an Essential Role for Employees – and Employers

Posted on October 23rd, 2019

Nobody wants to contemplate becoming disabled and unable to work. But it happens.

  • 1 in 4 of today's 20-year-olds will become disabled at some point before reaching age 67. [1]

And just because no one wants to think about disability doesn't mean it's not something people worry about. Most employees – 67 percent – are concerned about having money to pay bills if someone in the household stops earning their paycheck.[2]

Employee benefits that include both short term and long term disability insurance options can go a long way to help give employees extra security if they're faced with a disability that leaves them unable to work for a period of time.

For employees, the ability to work and earn a living is one of the most valuable assets they have. An extended illness, injury or pregnancy leave can create significant financial gaps when it comes to covering ongoing expenses like house payments or rent, groceries, or childcare – especially when you consider half of employees say they’re living paycheck-to-paycheck. [2]

Short and long term disability options help employees anticipate the impact of a disability on their financial situation by providing benefits that replace a portion of their income. Knowing disability coverage is in place provides more than peace of mind. It also allows the disabled employee to focus on recovery, rather than financial concerns. For business owners, this can be key.

Companies rely on having a productive workforce. Disability insurance helps employees manage their financial risk and helps them return to work as soon as it's possible. Return-to-work incentives and rehabilitation support features also provide valuable elements that help both employees and employers maximize productivity. These features can include support related to family care expenses or moving expenses if relocation is recommended for rehabilitation.

Helping your clients – and their employees – understand the value of short term and long term disability benefits is critical. 

Download and share additional details about MetLife’s Short Term and Long Term Disability solutions during your next client consultation.

 

Looking for a disability quote for your client?

 
 

[1] Social Security Basic Facts, https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityfacts/materials/pdf/factsheet.pdf, January 2018.

[2] MetLife 17th Annual U.S. Employee Benefit Trends Study, 2019, https://www.metlife.com/content/dam/metlifecom/us/ebts/pdf/MetLife-Employee-Benefit-Trends-Study-2019.pdf.

 

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