According to the Council for Disability Income Awareness (CDIA), Workers’ Compensation and Social Security do not cover most disability claims for consumers based on how they are created.

Workers’ Compensation only covers time away from work if the disabling illness or injury was directly work-related. In 2024, less than 1.0 percent of American workers missed work because of an occupational illness or injury per the CDIA. From 2014 to 2023, only 30 percent of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claimants had their applications approved: around 20 percent at the initial application stage and the remainder after a reconsideration or appeals process.

As of February 2026, more than 340,000 SSDI hearings were pending with an average processing time of almost 9 months, and the average SSDI benefit for a disabled worker is $1,630 per month (totaled annually is $19,560, which is below the poverty guideline of $21,640 for a two-person household) according to CDIA research.

Why is AIP Marketing Alliance, an Integrity Company, sharing these differences? May kicks off Disability Insurance Awareness Month (DIAM), where licensed insurance agents and financial professionals may want to have a conversation with clients about whether they are protected if or when a disabling condition possibly happens.

To help our downline wholesalers and agents, AIPMA has created #DIAM26 social media resources and a new video to educate consumers on why nationwide insurance carriers offer individual DI products. We incorporate multiple carriers’ content and CDIA statistics into these resources to paint an overall picture of how DI could provide income protection for your clients.

Let’s share some more statistics about how a lack of disability coverage may impact consumers nationwide. At least 51 million working adults in the United States are without disability insurance other than the basic coverage available through Social Security. The CDIA adds that almost 25% of today’s 20-year-olds can expect to be out of work for at least a year due to a disability or disabling condition before they reach normal retirement age and around 5% of working Americans experienced a short-term disability (six months or less) due to illness, injury, or pregnancy before the pandemic occurred.

As you read that last statement, AIPMA wants to segue into why DIAM plays such a pivotal role in educating consumers in May. What do you think are the most common reasons for short-term disability claims? The number one reason is pregnancy (22%) followed by musculoskeletal disorders (17%), injuries (fractures, sprains, strains at 11%), mental health issues (10%), and digestive disorders (7%). Long-term disability claims follow a similar trend with musculoskeletal disorders (26%), cancer (15%), injuries (11%), mental health issues (9%), and circulatory (heart attacks/strokes at 9%). NOTE: Most DI products do not cover pregnancies – please refer to the carrier and product for more information.

Understanding the need for disability insurance may provide the largest reason to consider a DI product. Paying everyday living expenses is important and the loss of a person’s income could contribute to lifestyle changes or worsening situations.

According to the CDIA, nearly 4 out of 10 American adults indicate they can’t pay an unexpected $400 bill without having to carry a balance on their credit card or borrow money from friends, family, or the bank. The group also states that a large study of consumer bankruptcy filings found that 77.8% of debtors cited income loss as a contributor to their bankruptcy. This included 44.3% specifically citing medically-related work loss as a contributor.

Protecting income is an asset that people rely on the most. Disability insurance, also called income protection, could pay benefits to replace a portion of your client’s income because of an illness or injury. If your clients protect their vehicles or homes, why wouldn’t they protect their income and their lives?

Take a few minutes to explain disability insurance options to your clients this month as Disability Insurance Awareness Month is a great time to remind consumers about the importance of income protection. You can use AIP Marketing Alliance’s DIAM materials and include the hashtag #DIAM26 on your respective platforms.

You also are welcome to send consumers to the Life Happens website as they have a section that covers Disability Insurance 101 including an informational video about DI.

If you would like to use AIPMA’s DIAM materials, our marketing team can customize these documents with your logo or contact information by reaching out to marketing@aipma.com. You can also contact AIPMA’s Business Development team at (800) 783-5206, Press #2 for disability insurance quotes or AIPMA contracted carriers with these products.

Note: Disability insurance products and their coverage is dependent on the insurance carrier and product and subject to the selected carrier’s underwriting and approval process. AIPMA is sharing this information on disability insurance for educational and informational purposes only.

We are #TheRightMIXin26 for independent insurance wholesalers and agents. For more than 40 years, AIP Marketing Alliance (AIPMA), an Integrity Company, serves as a premier life insurance and annuity distribution partner to provide full-service support to independent wholesalers, brokerages and agents from our Troy, Michigan office. NOT AFFILIATED WITH OR ENDORSED BY THE GOVERNMENT OR THE MEDICARE PROGRAM.

AIP Marketing Alliance is committed to supporting our independent insurance wholesalers and agents. Visit our blog on aipma.com to stay informed on these upcoming launches and learn why wholesalers nationwide choose AIPMA as their distributor for selling life insurance, annuities, long-term care insurance, final expense, and much more. Ask about lead programs, access to IntegrityCONNECT’s technology, myAIP CRM platform with customizable recruiter portal, and online tools/resources designed to grow your business. The difference is personal.

AIP Marketing Alliance, an Integrity Company, has developed this electronic communication for informational and educational use only. Be advised, AIP Marketing Alliance, Inc., does not provide legal advice, tax advice, or guidance on issues involving securities laws, insurance laws nor securities or insurance regulations. This material should not be relied on as providing any such advice or guidance to either agents or retail consumers. Within this communication, AIPMA shares links for usage as information only. This content should not be interpreted as solicitation to purchase life insurance, annuities, or other products or as advice designed to meet your clients’ specific needs. Content involving fiduciary, tax, or legal advice should be directed to your legal, tax, and financial professionals for specific advice or product recommendations. AIPMA will not accept any legal liability resulting from any use of 3rd party material(s).