Each day millions of consumers are out of work due to a disabling condition, making disability insurance an important and valuable type of coverage. Learn more about the various types of private and government-sponsored disability insurance plans as well as how to guide disabled consumers and their families through the decision-making process for choosing the best coverage.

Lesson 1: Disability Plan Types
Compares and contrasts group and individual short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) plans as well as private and government disability programs.

Lesson 2: Eligibility and Definitions of Disability
Explains the basic provisions of a disability plan, including eligibility requirements and waiting periods, and reviews the various definitions of disability based on plan type.

Lesson 3: Social Security Disability Insurance
Reviews the qualifications for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) as well as benefits received through this federal program. Also identifies work requirements and restrictions that disabled consumers must follow to maintain eligibility for SSDI.

Lesson 4: Long-Term Disability Plans
Outlines how LTD plans are designed, including plan duration, exclusions and other underwriting factors, so consumers can effectively coordinate and maximize benefits. 

Lesson 5: Offsets ​
​​​​Outlines how outside income may offset a consumer’s disability payments and how to help consumers coordinate those benefits.