
A group disability insurance broker can be a lifesaver for employees and employers alike. They offer comprehensive coverage that provides financial protection in the event of a disability.
This type of insurance is designed to replace a portion of an employee's income if they become unable to work due to illness or injury.
Group disability insurance brokers work with employers to create customized plans that meet the unique needs of their workforce.
Why Group Disability Insurance Matters
Group disability insurance is a vital component of any benefits package. Statistically, employees are 7-½ times more likely to use their disability benefits over death benefits.
One in three Americans aged 35-65 will suffer a disability of at least 90 days, making it a critical protection for employees. This is a staggering number, and it highlights the importance of having a safety net in place.
By adding group disability insurance to your benefits package, you can improve the well-being and financial security of your employees. Depending on the option you pick, it can come at a relatively small cost.
This type of insurance can be a game-changer for employees who find themselves unable to work due to illness or injury. It's a thoughtful way to protect their income and provide peace of mind.
Understanding Group Disability Insurance
Group disability insurance is an employer benefit, making it a convenient option for employees who may not have purchased an individual policy.
Group policies are typically simple to apply for, with no underwriting required, which makes the process quick and easy.
Pricing for group policies is generally lower than individual policies, which can be a significant advantage for employees.
Not all group disability plans are portable, so employees should be aware of this limitation if they plan to change jobs.
Coverage may not continue if you change jobs, which can leave you without protection if you need it most.
It's crucial to understand how each carrier defines a disability to determine if the policy is right for you.
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Finding the Right Plan
Finding the right group disability insurance plan for your client involves considering their qualifications and needs. This means exploring other products they may also be interested in, such as group health insurance.
Bundling benefits can help employers choose a particular provider, as they can quickly fill out one application for several policies, like disability, vision, and life insurance. This can simplify the process and make it more convenient for clients.
It's essential not to only look at the price, as the cost is not always reflective of the coverage and benefits offered.
Meeting Employee Needs

Many employees will need disability insurance during their careers, providing income protection and supporting their physical and mental well-being through sickness, injury, and more.
Disability insurance can offer a wide variety of traditional and voluntary STD and LTD plans to meet the needs of you and your employees. This includes optional riders like the maternity "elimination period" rider, which can remove the benefit waiting period on maternity claims, providing new mothers with access to their STD benefits from the first day after childbirth.
Showing up for your workforce during life's most significant moments can help employees return to their best possible levels of health and productivity. By offering disability insurance, you can provide added financial security for families navigating milestones like childbirth.
Guardian's Group Long Term and Short Term Disability Insurance is underwritten and issued by The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, NY. Policy limitations and exclusions apply, and optional riders and/or features may incur additional costs.
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How to Find the Best

Finding the right group disability insurance plan can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, you can ensure you're getting the best coverage for your clients. To start, consider working with a brokerage agency, as they can help you navigate the process and find the most suitable policy for your clients' needs.
A brokerage agency can save you time and money by doing the shopping for you and finding the best product based on your client's requirements. They have access to multiple carriers and can easily compare policies from different providers.
When shopping for a brokerage agency, look for brokers who specialize in group benefits. This will enable you to bundle group policies and build a comprehensive portfolio for your clients. You can start by asking your network for referrals or connecting with NAIFA, a trusted nonprofit association of insurance brokers and financial advisors.
To find the best brokerage agency, consider the following qualities:
- Responsiveness and attentiveness: Do they get back to you promptly and address your questions effectively?
- Product knowledge: Are they knowledgeable about the products and solutions available to serve your clients' needs?
- Back-office support: What happens after an application is submitted? Will they support you after the sale?
- A good team: Make sure the service is as good as the pitch, as service can make or break a relationship.
By considering these factors and working with a reputable brokerage agency, you can find the best group disability insurance plan for your clients and establish a long-term relationship built on trust and satisfaction.
Policies and Riders

As a group disability insurance broker, it's essential to understand the policies and riders that come with these plans.
Some policies may include a 90-day waiting period before benefits kick in. This means that if you become disabled, you won't receive any benefits for the first 90 days.
Riders can be added to a policy to provide additional coverage, such as a waiver of premium rider that waives your premium payments if you become disabled.
What Sets Insurance Apart?
Group disability insurance stands out from other types of disability insurance because it's an employer benefit, making it easy to apply for with no underwriting required.
One key advantage of group disability policies is that pricing is generally lower compared to individual policies.
Not all group disability plans are portable, so coverage may not continue if you change jobs, which can be a significant disadvantage.
Group disability policies often have a broad definition of disability, which can make it difficult to get claims approved.
Two Types of Policies

Group disability insurance is a type of policy that's offered through an employer as a benefit. This means it's typically easy to apply for and doesn't require underwriting.
Group policies are generally priced lower than individual policies, making them a more affordable option for employees.
However, not all group policies are portable, so if you change jobs, coverage may not continue.
It's essential to understand how each carrier defines a disability to determine if the policy is right for you.
Individual disability policies, on the other hand, are purchased directly by the employee and can provide more flexibility in terms of coverage and portability.
Individual policies often require underwriting, which can make the application process more complex.
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Paid Leave Benefit Rider
The Paid Leave Benefit Rider is a valuable addition to short-term disability insurance. It provides employees with paid family leave to bond with a child after birth or adoption.
With this rider, employees can also care for a sick family member. The Paid Leave Benefit Rider offers simplified access to paid family leave through a streamlined claims administration process.
This means that more employees across the country can benefit from paid family leave.
Long-Term Planning

Long-term planning is crucial for group disability insurance brokers to ensure their clients are adequately protected in case of unexpected events.
Group disability insurance policies can be customized to fit the specific needs of a company, including the type of coverage, benefit amount, and elimination period.
A well-planned group disability insurance policy can help reduce the financial impact of a disability on an employee, allowing them to focus on recovery rather than worrying about their financial situation.
In some cases, group disability insurance policies may also offer additional benefits, such as partial disability coverage or return-to-work incentives.
By taking the time to plan ahead, group disability insurance brokers can provide their clients with a sense of security and peace of mind, knowing they are protected in case of an unexpected disability.
Group disability insurance policies can be integrated with other employee benefits, such as life insurance and retirement plans, to create a comprehensive benefits package.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the disadvantages of group disability insurance?
Group disability insurance may not be transferable if you change or lose your job, and benefits received may be taxed, reducing your monthly payout
How much does group disability pay?
Group disability insurance typically covers about 60% of your gross income, up to a maximum monthly amount, such as $10,000. This coverage can provide financial protection if you're unable to work due to illness or injury.
Sources
- https://www.aflac.com/brokers/products/group-disability-insurance.aspx
- https://www.guardianlife.com/disability-insurance/group
- https://auiinfo.com/our-solutions/employee-benefits/group-disability/
- https://emgbrokerage.com/group-insurance-brokers/group-disability-insurance/
- https://graniteins.com/employee_benefits/long-term-disability-insurance/
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