If you’re the primary breadwinner in your family, you’ve probably thought long and hard about whether or not to get life insurance, and how much to get. The fact of the matter is that a term life insurance policy is a reasonable investment, and usually well worth the peace of mind that it brings. After all, if something happens to you, you want to know that your family is going to be all right, financially.

But one of the stark realities of the modern world is that people keep living longer, and are more able to survive illnesses and disasters. While there may be less likelihood of you dying than there was 50 years ago, there is also the possibility that you’ll wind up alive but unable to work.

What do you do then?

Government help isn’t enough

Sure, the SSI disability program run by Social Security will help provide for your family if something happens to you. SSI, however, isn’t enough to live on. It won’t put your kids through college, and it won’t keep your spouse in the lifestyle to which you’ve been accustomed. While it’s nice to know that Social Security disability is there, you can’t count on it to provide for your family’s needs.

A Wonderful Life

Many folks who’ve come down with a disability find themselves feeling a little bit like George Bailey. You wonder if your family would have just been better off if you’d have died. The truth is, they wouldn’t. They would rather have you around than have the money from your life insurance policy.

Still, you wonder if there are things you can do today, while you’re still well and providing for your family financially, to protect them if you’re disabled.

Disability Insurance Complements Life Insurance

That’s why there is disability insurance. In some cases, your life insurance policy may be able to add a disability rider for just a small increase in your premiums. In other cases, you may need to seek out a separate disability insurance policy.

Many employers also offer a disability insurance package, so be sure to talk to your employer or HR department about what kinds of options you might have there.