The potential for becoming disabled is not a topic most healthy Americans relish considering but the fact remains that it is quite possible to unexpectedly acquire a disability which will dramatically change one's quality of life and adversely affect one's financial standing. Recent research on the subject of disability indicates that there may be as much as a 50% chance of any individual becoming permanently disabled, and that the percentage of risk is even higher for those under the age of 40 as well as for those who work at construction sites. Apparently, whether or not one wishes to think of it, the danger of sustaining an incapacitating injury or illness is high and the peril of financial ruin rises with it. Routine tasks become more challenging and securing work may be difficult, but the financial necessities of shelter, food and clothing will not make allowances for your handicap.

You Cannot Rely Solely Upon SSDI
SSDI, or Social Security Disability Insurance, might seem like the logical choice for a safety net to cover you in the event of a disability but this is frequently not the case. The Social Security Administration upholds very strict and specific standards for determining the qualifications of disability and the process of application can take months or years. This is more time than an unexpectedly-handicapped individual has to wait when bill collectors are knocking on their door demanding payment.

To qualify for full disability paid for by the government, you must expect your disability to last until your death and be completely unable to perform any type of work for gainful employment. Additionally, if approved the government, and not yourself, will determine how much you need to live. Many SSDI recipients must live in group homes because they cannot afford their own apartment for this reason.

Evidently, government-supplied disability coverage will not work for those only partially disabled or temporarily impaired. For these types of handicaps individual insurance coverage for disability must be purchased for financial aid in a time of need.

Group Disability Insurance vs. Individual Coverage
In almost all situations and depending on the funds you have available it is best to pay for an individual disability insurance policy rather than going with a group. Freelancers and some others have no choice in the matter and must purchase their coverage in this manner but those tempted by a group policy should be aware of their limitations. Group insurance policy raises your risk of capping out on coverage no matter what the situation.

Buy Disability Insurance Now, Not Later
Healthy people need disability insurance; it sounds like a fallacy yet it is true. Healthy individuals are the only people qualified to buy disability insurance. Waiting until later can prove to be too late. If you do become disabled and do not have insurance or have problems with your disability insurance provider then contact an experienced lawyer to help you with your claim.