How disability insurance can help you protect what matters most

(BPT) - As we begin to transition out of the pandemic, it’s important to consider steps that can help provide you and your loved ones a more stable financial future. Just consider that 41% of U.S. employees are living paycheck to paycheck right now, and the same number of employees don’t feel in control of their finances, according to MetLife’s 2021 U.S. Employee Benefit Trends Study.

To change course, employees should consider reviewing the benefits their employers offer, including disability insurance, which offers a vital source of income protection that may help cover essential living costs such as food, clothing and mortgage payments in the event you are unable to work due to a qualifying physical or mental health condition. In fact, MetLife’s study shows that employees with disability insurance feel more confident in protecting what matters most to them in the event of unexpected expenses than those without disability (66% with versus 59% without disability insurance).

Financial protection for those caring for loved ones

While almost everyone has been impacted by the financial stressors of the pandemic, caregivers may feel an increased burden. Caring for family members can be overwhelming — leaving many unsure about their short-term and long-term financial goals. In fact, MetLife’s study finds that 4 in 10 caregivers don’t have a savings cushion of at least three months.

These financial concerns are also just as real for pet parents. Expenses related to pets can become a burden should a pet parent suddenly become unable to work. To avoid having to dip into long-term savings to pay for short-term expenses, pet parents should consider having disability insurance to ensure their pets’ needs can be met in the event of something unforeseen.

What’s more, disability insurance may also help provide security for those struggling with serious medical conditions, like cancer, stroke or heart attack, especially when paired with supplemental benefits like critical illness insurance. Critical illness insurance may help cover expenses not covered by health insurance, like plan deductibles, copays and costs for out-of-network care.

Support extends beyond financial health

After a year of lockdowns and uncertainty, you may, like many others, feel more stressed and anxious about your financial future than ever before. This stress and anxiety can often build — reducing mental wellness and even hindering your ability to care for yourself and your loved ones.

However, taking hold of your financial health may help alleviate some of these anxieties — ensuring that you and your family are able to focus on healing, not your finances. Caregivers, for example, who have a savings cushion of at least 3 months are 47% more likely to say they feel mentally healthy than those who do not.

By having disability insurance and other supportive benefits as part of your financial wellness arsenal, you can feel some additional security in the event you are unexpectedly unable to work. Taking action to improve financial security can have a positive impact on reducing stress and anxiety, allowing you to provide you and your loved ones more secure care now and in the future.

To learn more about disability insurance and how it can support your financial and mental health, talk to your HR department or visit MetLife.com/insurance/disability-insurance.