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Disability Insurance in Texas

Protect Your Paycheck, Secure Your Future

Why Disability Insurance? Your Income Is Your Greatest Asset

Imagine losing your income for months or years—could your savings carry you through? Nearly 1 in 4 working Americans will become disabled before retirement age, and most disabilities aren’t caused by accidents, but by illness or chronic conditions. Disability insurance is truly “income insurance”—it keeps your financial life on track when you can’t work, protecting everything you’ve built for yourself and your family.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Disability Insurance

Short-Term Disability (STD)

Replaces about 60% of your income for the first 3–6 months of a disability. Many rely on sick leave, emergency funds, or employer group STD for this period.

Long-Term Disability (LTD)

The real safety net. LTD coverage begins after your short-term benefits or waiting period ends—often after 90 or 180 days—and can pay benefits for years, even up to retirement. LTD is what prevents a long-term health issue from turning into a financial crisis.

Key Features of Long-Term Disability Coverage

  • Benefit Amount

    Typically 50–70% of gross income, tax-free if premiums are paid with after-tax dollars.

  • Benefit Period

    Choose coverage for 2, 5, or even up to age 65/67.

  • Elimination Period

    Usually a 90-day waiting period before benefits start—aligns with most emergency funds.

  • Definition of Disability

    “Own-occupation” is the gold standard—if you can’t perform your specific job, benefits pay, even if you could work elsewhere. Some policies pay partial benefits if you can return part-time.

  • Premium Structure

    Can be non-cancelable (rates and terms locked) or guaranteed renewable (rates may change, but coverage can’t be dropped).

  • Tailored for Your Career

    We match your policy to your job—specialized coverage for surgeons, self-employed, or manual workers.

Supplementing Employer Coverage and Protecting the Self-Employed

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Group LTD from work

A good start, but it usually covers just 60% of your base salary, is often taxable, and doesn’t follow you if you leave your job. Bonuses, commissions, and business income may not be covered.

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Supplemental policies

We help you fill the gap—boosting your coverage to near 80–85% of take-home pay. Especially important for high earners or those with variable pay.

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Self-employed or business owners

Private disability insurance is essential, as group plans aren’t available. We find solutions that fit your business and income stream—including overhead expense protection if needed.

Do I Really Need Disability Insurance? Consider the Risks

  • The average long-term disability claim lasts about 34 months—almost 3 years.
  • Most people’s emergency savings wouldn’t last that long, especially with medical bills added in.
  • Social Security Disability is difficult to qualify for and rarely replaces full income.
  • Texas has no state disability program—it’s up to individuals and employers to plan ahead.

Case example:

A healthy 50-year-old executive in Houston had a stroke and couldn’t work for a year. His long-term disability policy paid $5,000/month, saving his family’s finances while he recovered.

Policy Customization: Tailored for Your Needs

  • Occupation-based underwriting: We know which carriers best serve your field—whether you’re a professional, tradesperson, or business owner.
  • Partial/Residual Benefits: Many policies pay if you can work part-time but lose income.
  • Riders: Add-ons for cost-of-living adjustments, student loan coverage, or business overhead—customized to your life.

Protect Your Income, Protect Your Lifestyle

Your paycheck funds your entire life—don’t leave it uninsured. Let’s review your situation, assess your current benefits, and find the plan that truly safeguards your future. We make the process easy, quick, and tailored—no high-pressure sales, just honest guidance from specialists.

Your Disability Insurance Questions, Answered

  • Do I really need disability insurance if I have sick leave?

    Sick leave is helpful for short periods, but most serious disabilities last much longer. Disability insurance steps in when sick pay ends, covering your income for years if needed.

  • How does disability insurance work for long-term situations?

    After your elimination (waiting) period, LTD pays a portion of your income monthly until you recover or reach the end of your benefit period—sometimes all the way to retirement.

  • What’s the best disability insurance for the self-employed in Texas?

    Private policies tailored to your income, with options for business overhead coverage and “own-occupation” definitions. We specialize in finding the best fit for business owners and independent professionals.

  • How much coverage do I need?

    Aim to replace 60–80% of your after-tax income. We’ll analyze your situation, including any group coverage, to pinpoint the right amount.

  • Will my doctors accept the plan?

    That depends on the specific plan network—always check before enrolling. We help you verify that your preferred providers are included.