When you’re in a relationship, you plan together. You share responsibilities, support each other, and build a future as a team. But here’s something many couples overlook in their planning: what happens if one of you suddenly can’t work due to illness or injury?
It’s a difficult scenario to imagine—but an important one to prepare for.
Whether you both work full-time or one partner brings in the majority of the income, having disability insurance coverage for both people is one of the smartest ways to protect your shared financial stability.
Why Couples Shouldn’t Overlook Disability Coverage
Life happens fast—and so can a medical crisis. You or your partner could become temporarily (or even permanently) disabled due to:
- Chronic illness (like cancer, heart conditions, or diabetes)
- Mental health challenges (depression, anxiety, burnout)
- Injuries from car accidents, falls, or even everyday activities
Disability isn’t always work-related, and it doesn’t only affect high-risk jobs. It can affect anyone—at any age.
Dual Income? Double the Risk
Many couples rely on two incomes to support their lifestyle. If one partner suddenly can’t earn their share, the other may be left to:
- Cover all bills, rent/mortgage, and shared expenses
- Take time off to provide care
- Delay savings or retirement contributions
- Accrue debt to make ends meet
Disability insurance helps replace lost income so you both stay financially secure—without derailing your long-term goals.
What If Only One Partner Works?
Even if you’re a one-income household, protecting that sole paycheck is even more critical. A sudden loss of income in a single-earner family can have a far-reaching impact. Disability insurance can help bridge that gap by providing a portion of the income while the primary earner recovers.
Don’t Rely on Group Benefits Alone
Some employers offer group disability coverage—but it’s often not enough. It may:
- Cover only 40–60% of your salary
- Be taxable if the employer pays the premium
- Not include mental health or pregnancy-related complications
- End when you change jobs
An individual disability insurance policy provides more flexibility, better coverage, and stays with you no matter where life or your career leads.
Peace of Mind for Both Partners
Getting disability insurance for both partners offers:
- Financial stability during recovery
- Protection for your family and lifestyle
- Confidence that one partner won’t be forced to carry the full burden alone
- A proactive plan for real-life “what if” moments
Plan Together. Protect Together.
You plan vacations, savings, and your future as a team—why not plan your safety net the same way?
👉 Reach out today to learn how disability insurance can protect both you and your partner. We’ll help you get the right coverage for your unique life together.
Sources
- Social Security Administration (SSA)
1 in 4 of today’s 20-year-olds will become disabled before retirement age.
https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityfacts/facts.html - Council for Disability Awareness (CDA)
The vast majority of disabilities are caused by illness, not accidents. Common causes include cancer, heart disease, mental health conditions, and musculoskeletal disorders.
https://disabilitycanhappen.org/disability-statistic/ - National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
Group disability insurance often replaces only 40–60% of your income and may be taxable.
https://content.naic.org/article/consumer-insight-if-disability-were-keep-you-earning-living-how-would-you-pay-your-bills - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Most dual-income households rely on both paychecks to maintain their lifestyle and savings goals.
https://www.bls.gov/news.release/famee.nr0.htm
