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Social Security Disability Insurance vs. private disability insurance
Private disability insurance could pay out more, but you'll need to buy it before you become disabled.
If you suffer a disability and can’t work, disability insurance can help replace your income with a monthly check. Private disability insurance will likely pay a higher benefit, but you’ll need to have it before you become disabled. Social Security Disability Insurance allows you to apply after you suffer a disability — but qualifying for it is harder, and the benefit amount will likely be less.
What's in this guide?
Features of Social Security vs. disability insurance
| SSDI | Private disability insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it’s for | Anyone can apply after suffering a disability | Anyone, but you’ll pay more if you’re unhealthy or elderly |
| What it covers | A disability that prevents you from working | Any covered disability that prevents you from working, some plans allow you to return to work while collecting a payment |
| Benefit amount | A percentage of your income, maxed at $2,788 as of 2020 | Generally replaces 40% to 80% of your predisability income, sometimes up to 100% with part-time earnings and benefits |
| Length of benefit | Could last until retirement, with a 12-month waiting period | Can opt for short- and long-term policies that cover you up to retirement age |
What is Social Security Disability Insurance?
Social Security Disability Insurance is a government-run program that replaces part of your income if you suffer a disability and can’t work for at least 12 months. You can only apply for SSDI benefits after suffering a disability.
How does SSDI work?
Anyone who meets the requirements can apply for SSDI, although it’s designed for people with middle to lower. The Social Security Administration looks at your prior income and work history to set your benefit amount. The maximum payment amount is currently set at $2,788 per month.
Once you start receiving benefits, you’ll continue to receive them until you either recover from your disability or you hit retirement age.
What is private disability insurance?
Private disability insurance is purchased from an insurance company. It offers a monthly benefit equal to a percentage of your pre-disability salary if you experience a disability and can’t work.
You’ll only be covered if you’ve bought a policy before experiencing a disability. Disability benefits may be offered through your employer or purchased individually. If you’re buying a plan on your own, your monthly premiums will be based on your occupation, age and health.
How does private disability insurance work?
How your policy works depends on which type of disability policy you choose. Insurers offer both short- and long-term disability options. Each type of policy also has its own definition of disability, like own-occupation or any-occupation.
The type of policy you buy will determine your monthly benefit amount. Short-term policies generally cover 60-80% of your pre-disability income and last up to 12 months, sometimes longer. In comparison, long-term policies cover 40-60% of your pre-disability income and can last up to retirement age.
How do I compare Social Security Disability Insurance and private disability insurance?
You don’t have to choose between one or the other – you can plan to simultaneously use Social Security Disability Insurance and private disability insurance. But, your private disability insurance typically reduces your monthly payments by any amount you receive from Social Security disability.
If you can afford a private disability plan, you can typically expect a higher monthly benefit. But you’ll have to pay for premiums out of pocket each month for a benefit you may never use.
Whereas if you plan to rely on SSDI in case of a disability, know that requirements are strict and only about a third of people who apply actually get approved. And if you’re a high-income earner, your monthly benefit amount may not be enough.
Compare disability insurance policies
Bottom line
Both private disability insurance and Social Security Disability Insurance can offer protection if you can’t work after experiencing a disability. Private disability insurance pays a higher monthly amount and can cover you in the short term and long term, but it can also be expensive and you’ll need to purchase it before your disability. Social Security Disability Insurance is free for anyone, but you’ll have to prove you can’t work for at least 12 months and the payout is likely going to be lower.
Before deciding on one or the other, be sure to check out the full range of options for private disability insurance by comparing disability insurance companies.
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