Do you know what your employer plan actually says?
These are the details many professionals skip until there is a claim, job change, or household income disruption.
Do you know your employer long-term disability benefit percentage?
Example: 50%, 60%, or another replacement percentage.
Do you know the maximum monthly benefit cap?
A cap can matter more than the percentage for higher-income professionals.
Do you know whether disability benefits would likely be taxable?
If an employer pays the premium, the benefit may be taxable.
Do you know the waiting period before benefits begin?
Common waiting periods can be 30, 60, 90, or 180 days.
Do you know how long the benefit could last?
Duration may be limited or extend to a stated age depending on the plan.
Does your compensation go beyond base salary?
Benefits may not always treat bonus, commission, equity, consulting, or self-employment income the way your household budget does.
Does your income include bonus, commission, RSUs, consulting, or self-employment income?
Variable or non-base income can create a coverage-definition issue.
Do you know whether your plan counts that non-base income as covered earnings?
This is one of the most important questions for tech, sales, consulting, and executive compensation.
Does your household budget depend on total compensation, not just base salary?
If lifestyle expenses depend on variable income, the gap may be larger.
Do you have consulting, side-business, or self-employed income?
Employer benefits may not protect business income or overhead obligations.
Would your household have breathing room if income stopped?
A benefits gap is not just a policy issue. It is a cash-flow issue.
Could you cover household expenses during your disability waiting period?
Rent or mortgage, childcare, food, utilities, car payments, insurance, and debt continue.
Do you have dependents, a mortgage, or major household obligations?
The more people or obligations depend on your income, the more the gap matters.
Do you know whether your employer life insurance is portable if you leave your job?
Employer life coverage can be helpful, but portability and amount matter.
Do you know your health plan deductible and out-of-pocket maximum?
Medical expenses and income loss can overlap at the worst time.
Quick monthly gap estimate
Optional numbers help make the scorecard more concrete. Leave blank if you only want the educational score.
Your scorecard summary
Complete the questions above to generate a plain-English summary of the details worth verifying.