We've all heard the old adage about assuming, so we try not to make too many assumptions about how things will be down the line. After all, when you assume...well, you know the rest! Why is it, then, that we assume our income will stay stable and we will always be able to afford to cover all the bills? We have rent or mortgage payments, sometimes car payments, utilities, insurance payments, groceries, gas- the list go on We expect that we will be able to pay because we hope we will continue to go to work with no issues. What happens if you get hurt and can't make it in or do your job? What do you do? Long-Term Disability Benefits That's where long-term disability comes in. If an employee has suffered an illness or injury that has led to the loss of time and subsequent loss of wages, long-term disability allows for them to recoup a portion of that money so they are not bereft of income during what is already a difficult period. As long as your condition creates a situation where you are unable to complete the duties of your job, you are entitled to disability benefits. That may mean you are able able to perform other job duties just fine. Even if that is the case, you are entitled to disability and you are able to collect disability while recovering. How Long Does It Last? The phrase "long-term" gives us confidence that we will be taken care of for a duration of time, sure, but what exactly is the quantity? How long will you be eligible to collect disability if your condition, illness, or injury has you out of commission for a substantial duration? Long-term disability generally pays out for 3 to 5 years. While this covers most catastrophic events and allows you to continue receiving wages even if recovering and recouping still, there are ways to extend coverage as well for longer as needed. Overall, long-term disability is incredibly important, especially for more physically demanding jobs that are impossible to perform when disaster strikes. ERB Has The Solution While most employers offer this benefit, it's not a standard by any means. Employers looking to make sure their people are covered in the event of an accident or issue with their health and wellness will prioritize disability, long-term or otherwise, and make sure it's part of the package. Workers comp is also important, as this covers injuries that occur specifically on the job. For jobs that pose an inherent risk to your safety, this is essential for the benefits package. Be sure to find out from any future potential employers if their benefits package includes these essentials. And for employers looking to include it in their included benefits, contact Employee Retention Benefits today and find out how they can help!