Disability Insurance
Protect your income when you can't work
Why it matters
Your income is your most valuable asset
1 in 4 will become disabled
According to the Social Security Administration, more than a quarter of today's 20-year-olds will experience a disability before retirement age.
Average claim lasts ~3 years
The Council for Disability Awareness reports that the average long-term disability claim runs nearly three years, which is enough to drain most people's savings.
SC has no state program
South Carolina doesn't have a state-mandated disability program for private-sector employees. Your coverage is only what you arrange.
Short-Term Disability (STD)
Short-term disability covers temporary disabilities that keep you out of work for a few weeks to several months. Benefits typically begin within 0–14 days of becoming disabled and continue for 3–6 months (some plans extend to 12). Common claims include pregnancy and childbirth, post-surgery recovery, accident injuries, and short-term illnesses. Most commonly offered through employer benefits packages.
- Benefits start in 0–14 days
- 3–6 month benefit period (up to 12)
- 60–70% of weekly salary, up to a cap
Long-Term Disability (LTD)
Long-term disability picks up where short-term leaves off, and it's what most people actually need for real income protection. The elimination period is usually 90–180 days, which is why pairing LTD with short-term disability bridges the gap cleanly. Benefits can run 2, 5, or 10 years, or all the way to age 65. Covered conditions include musculoskeletal disorders, cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental health, and neurological conditions.
- 90–180 day elimination period
- Benefit period: 2 years to age 65
- 50–70% of monthly pre-disability income
Key policy terms
What to look for in a policy
Own-occupation vs. any-occupation
"Own-occ" pays if you can't perform your specific job, which is far more protective. "Any-occ" only pays if you can't do any job you're qualified for.
Residual / partial disability
A residual rider pays a reduced benefit if you can work part-time but can't return to full hours. Prevents an all-or-nothing situation.
Non-cancelable
The insurer can't cancel, modify, or raise your premium as long as you pay on time. Strongest consumer protection you can get.
Coverage source
Individual vs. employer-sponsored
| Employer Group LTD | Individual Policy | |
|---|---|---|
| Tax treatment | Benefits taxable as income | Benefits tax-free (if you pay premiums) |
| Effective replacement | 60% pre-tax = ~42% take-home | 60% tax-free = ~60% take-home |
| Portability | Ends when you leave the job | Goes with you regardless of employer |
| Customization | Standard benefits, limited options | Choose amount, period, and riders |
| Cost | Cheaper (group rates, often subsidized) | Higher but customizable |
| Best strategy | Take the employer plan | Supplement employer coverage with individual |
Following a significant life event and realising my son's health insurance had lapsed, Kearah skillfully found us the right coverage and right on time. Her level of customer service and care is top tier and exactly what I needed during this time.
Alana A.
Long-time client · South Carolina
Related coverage
Other ways to protect your finances
Life Insurance
Income replacement if the worst happens, with term and whole life compared side by side.
Learn moreSupplemental Insurance
Accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity plans that pay cash directly to you.
Learn moreEmployee Benefits
Employer group disability as part of a full benefits package.
Learn more
Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
Real people. Real guidance. Real peace of mind.
I can't say enough nice things about Will Murdock and the hours he's spent helping me find the best plan. He sat on hold listening to elevator music for hours getting all the kinks worked out with my Medicare and Medicaid.
Stacey R.
Medicare client · South Carolina
I was looking for new health insurance and ended up with dental and vision too. Will offered different plans that worked for my budget. Finding insurance isn't always easy, but they made it simple.
Brittany P.
Individual & supplemental plan member · South Carolina
Sherri is incredible. In the 12 years I've handled our company's insurance, we were only ever offered the same two paths. She gave us options no previous agent had ever mentioned, worked directly with each employee, and answered every question.
Jill C.
Group benefits decision-maker · South Carolina
Kearah saved my sanity. She helped me navigate a very uncertain period of getting solid coverage — she was on every call with me and even did footwork on my behalf. I'll be calling her for life insurance next.
ILONA
Health & life client · South Carolina
Brandon is a wealth of information. He's personable, easy to talk to, and made the crazy world of Medicare make sense. He's my recommendation for friends and family getting ready to become eligible.
Matt L.
New Medicare enrollee · South Carolina
Sherri reached out to the Chamber to discuss our health plan and found us a plan with a wider range of benefits. Her knowledge of the health insurance market is remarkable, and her customer service is exceptional.
Irmo Chamber of Commerce
Member organisation · Irmo, SC
Brandon is super compassionate with older folks. He guided my mom through her Medicare open enrollment so smoothly. Thanks, Brandon.
Melissa F.
Family caregiver · South Carolina
As a self-employed small business owner, I'd always carried high deductibles and minimal coverage to make insurance work. Sherri found my family a plan with real coverage and was patient with every question I had.
Victoria A.
Self-employed plan member · South Carolina
The owner and employees were extremely knowledgeable in finding us insurance options. Sherri explained everything and answered every question. Kristian was professional and never made me feel like a burden — he was happy to help.
Allison H.
Long-time client · South Carolina
Andrew is amazing at serving his clients. He cares for them from the beginning to the end of the process. I'd recommend him to anyone looking to add health or life insurance.
Joy H.
Health & life client · South Carolina
Ancillary carriers
Our Brokerage Partners
Companion Life
Sun Life
Humana
Allstate
MetLife
Mutual of Omaha
Voya
Cigna
Unum
Ameritas
Why work with us
Disability coverage done right
Multiple carriers compared
Definitions, waiting periods, and riders vary a lot. We shop several carriers and show you the real differences that matter.
Plain-English policy review
Own-occupation vs. any-occupation, non-cancelable vs. guaranteed renewable — we walk you through what each clause actually means.
No broker fee
Carriers pay us. Your premium is the same whether you use a broker or go direct.
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question not listed here? Get in touch.
Disability insurance is a type of coverage that replaces part of your income if an illness or injury keeps you from working. It pays regular monthly benefits, typically 50% to 70% of your pre-disability income, so you can keep paying your mortgage, bills, and other expenses while you recover. It covers conditions ranging from back injuries and surgeries to cancer, heart attacks, and mental health diagnoses.
Short-term disability insurance typically begins paying benefits within 1 to 14 days of becoming disabled and covers you for 3 to 6 months. Long-term disability has a longer waiting period (usually 90 to 180 days) but pays benefits for much longer, often 2, 5, or 10 years, or until age 65. Many people carry both: short-term covers the initial period, and long-term takes over if the condition persists.
Individual disability insurance typically costs a small percentage of your annual income, with the exact rate driven by your age, occupation, health, the benefit amount, and policy features. Short-term disability is generally less expensive than long-term disability. Group disability through an employer is often significantly cheaper because the risk is spread across many employees. We can quote your real numbers in a few minutes.
Most disability insurance policies replace 50% to 70% of your pre-disability gross income. The exact percentage depends on the policy you choose. Benefits from employer-paid group disability policies are taxable as income, which effectively reduces your take-home benefit. Benefits from individually purchased policies that you pay for with after-tax dollars are generally received tax-free, which means a 60% benefit replacement may feel closer to 70% to 80% of your take-home pay.
Get a Free Disability Insurance Quote
We help you find the right income protection for your situation.