Some Disability Statistics

¥ A disabled 40-year-old with current earnings of $50,000 would get $1,440 a month in Social Security disability benefits in year-2006 dollars. This does not include benefits for a spouse or children. (Source: Social Security Administration Website, Quick Calculator, January 2006)

¥ The weekly maximum payment in California for Workers Compensation Benefits was $840 at 66.67% of wages in January 2005. (Source: Dept. of Labor, Office of WorkersÕ Compensation Programs)

¥ California state disability pays up to $840 a week at 55% of average weekly earnings effective January 1, 2006. (Source: VPA Inc. www.VPAinc.com)

Important Disability Statistics

A personÕs income stream may be their most valuable asset. But, many live without the disability insurance coverage to protect it. This is a startling fact given that 40% of U.S. workers always or often live paycheck to paycheck, according to a 2007 survey by Careerbuilder.com. Losing just a few weeks of pay could trigger tremendous financial hardship. Most Americans are completely unprepared in the event that they become disabled and cannot work, especially those who work for smaller companies.

Consider some statistics noted on the Council for Disability Awareness (CDA) Website (www.disabilitycanhappen.org):

¥ Nearly 50% of all mortgage foreclosures are caused by disability, compared to 2% caused by death, according to a February 2005 article in The Health Affairs Website.

¥ 50% of all personal U.S. bankruptcies were attributable to illness or medical bills, according to a Health Affairs Web exclusive.

¥ 30% of workers between 25 and 65 will have an accident or illness that keeps them out of work for three months or more, according to a Social Security Administration Fact Sheet.