Disability / Income Protection Calculator
Find out if you have enough disability coverage. Enter your monthly take-home pay and essential expenses to see your income protection need and potential coverage gap.
Rent/mortgage, utilities, food, loan minimums
SSDI average ~$1,400/month if eligible
Spouse income, rental income, etc.
How to use Disability / Income Protection Calculator
The disability insurance calculator determines how much income-protection coverage you need, showing your monthly benefit target, benefit period and the coverage gap versus your existing short-term and long-term disability policies. It incorporates the standard 60–70% income-replacement guideline and your essential monthly expenses.
- Enter your gross and net monthly income.
- Add essential monthly expenses (mortgage/rent, utilities, food, minimum debt payments).
- Enter existing employer short-term and long-term disability coverage (% of income).
- Set your desired benefit period (2 years, 5 years or to age 65).
- Review the monthly benefit needed and your coverage gap.
Your data never leaves your device — 100% private processing.
Short-term vs long-term disability
Short-term disability (STD) covers the first 90 days to two years of an illness or injury, typically paying 60–80% of salary. Long-term disability (LTD) kicks in after STD expires and can run to age 65 for total disability. The most common cause of disability claims is musculoskeletal issues (back, joint), followed by cancer and mental health. Most employer LTD covers 60% of salary, but is taxable if premiums are employer-paid — meaning net replacement may be only 40–45%.
| Type | Waiting period | Benefit period | Typical coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STD (employer) | 7–14 days | 90 days – 2 yr | 60–80% of salary | Usually employer-provided |
| LTD (employer) | After STD | To age 65 | 60% of salary | Taxable if employer-paid |
| Individual LTD | 30–180 days | 2–10 yr or to 65 | 50–70% of income | Portable; non-taxable benefits |
| Social Security DI | After 5 months | To retirement age | ~40% avg income | Strict definition; hard to qualify |
"Own occupation" vs "any occupation" definitions
The disability definition in a policy determines when you can claim. "Own occupation" (most favourable) pays if you cannot perform your specific job — a surgeon who loses hand function collects even while working in another capacity. "Any occupation" only pays if you cannot work in any job for which you are reasonably qualified. "Modified own occupation" is a common middle ground. Professionals should seek own-occupation coverage.
Glossary
- Own occupation
- Disability definition covering inability to perform your specific career role.
- Elimination period
- The waiting period before benefits begin; similar to a deductible in time.
- Benefit period
- How long disability benefits are paid after the elimination period.
- SSDI
- Social Security Disability Insurance — federal program for total, long-term disability.
Related reading
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why use Disability / Income Protection Calculator?
- Estimate premiums before talking to an agent
- Understand coverage types and deductibles clearly
- Compare term vs whole life insurance costs
- Supports health, auto, home, and life insurance calculations
Common use cases
- Estimate life insurance coverage needs for your family
- Calculate how much car insurance you should carry
- Understand the cost difference between deductible levels
- Estimate renters insurance cost for a new apartment
- Work out how much home insurance a property needs
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