Part of our guide: Disability Income Insurance: Solutions, Tools and Guides →
Ask clients to name their most valuable asset and most say their home or retirement account. In reality, it’s their ability to earn an income, because every other part of their financial plan depends on it.
Key takeaways
- Income funds every other goal: savings, insurance, investments, and lifestyle.
- In a Council for Disability Awareness study, 71% of consumers thought disabilities were mostly caused by serious accidents; in reality only about 9% of long-term claims are.
- Most people rate their ability to earn as their most important financial resource, yet only about a third have taken steps to protect it.
About 91% of long-term disability claims come from illnesses and common conditions, not serious accidents.
Income is the asset behind every other asset
Without income, no savings, investment, or insurance plan can be funded. Yet disability income is one of the most overlooked parts of financial planning, often because clients and advisors misunderstand the risk.
The misconception that drives the gap
In a Council for Disability Awareness consumer study, 71% of respondents believed disabilities are mostly caused by serious accidents. Insurance data shows only about 9% of long-term disability claims result from accidents. The rest come from back and joint problems, chronic diseases, cancer, mental health conditions, and pregnancy. More in four misconceptions about disability.
The protection gap
Nearly everyone in the same study rated their ability to earn as more important to their financial security than any other resource, but only 37% had thought about protecting it.
How we help
We work with leading disability carriers to find coverage for clients in almost any occupation, from simplified issue to fully underwritten, with the goal of getting clients protected quickly.
Frequently asked questions
What causes most long-term disabilities?
Illnesses and chronic conditions, such as back and joint disorders, cancer, heart disease, and mental health conditions, not accidents.
Why is disability insurance important?
Income pays for everything else in a financial plan. Disability insurance replaces part of it if illness or injury prevents working.
What is a person’s most valuable financial asset?
For most working people, their ability to earn an income over their career.
Reviewed by Tim Fuller on 2026-09-25
Tim Fuller
President, SRS Inc.
Tim leads SRS Inc., a full-service IMO (Independent Marketing Organization) and BGA (Brokerage General Agency), connecting independent financial professionals with life, annuity, disability income, and long-term care solutions from 60+ carrier partners.
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