I get disability insurance as a benefit at work. I have a chance to buy extra coverage through my employer during open-enrollment season this fall. Should I buy the extra coverage? --J.M., Alexandria, Va.
First see whether you could pay your bills with your current coverage. Mo Vidwans, a certified financial planner in Saline, Mich., recommends having enough disability insurance to cover 60% to 75% of your monthly expenses. But many employer-paid group disability policies cover 60% or less of pretax income, with a monthly cap of $5,000. Benefits are taxable because the employer pays the premiums.
Buying extra coverage during open enrollment can be a good way to supplement what your employer provides free, says Carol Harnett, president of the Council for Disability Awareness. You may be able to boost benefits to about 70% of your income without the monthly cap. This coverage can cost $250 per year or more, depending on the amount and policy details, says Harnett. Benefits aren’t taxable if you’ve paid premiums with after-tax money.
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If your job is very specialized, you may want to get extra coverage on your own. Employer-based coverage typically pays out if you’re unable to work at your specific occupation for two years, and it continues after that only if you can’t do any job that’s reasonable for your qualifications. Outside policies may pay until age 65 if you’re unable to do your specific job.
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