Getting the Right Disability Insurance Can Be a Painful Process (New York Daily News)

With its lower premiums, group disability coverage is a popular option for consumers who are looking to protect their paycheck. But it may not be enough. Many group policies require that you are also approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). In case of injury or illness, these policies then supplement the federal coverage. But approval for SSDI is hard to come by. A 2010 report by the Social Security Administration showed that 75 percent of people were denied SSDI benefits the first time they applied. After appealing, half ultimately received coverage, but the process can take several years.

Complications like these make individual experience very attractive — for those who can afford it. If it’s out of your price range, take the group insurance but stay aware of just what it does and does not cover.