There are a few basic types of disability insurance, and each type has its own benefits and eligibility requirements.

Short-term disability insurance

Short-term disability coverage usually lasts for three to six months after an injury or illness occurs. These policies may require a waiting period of up to 14 days after your initial injury or disability occurs to start providing coverage, says the III.

Long-term disability insurance

Long-term coverage typically begins after short-term disability insurance ends, after about six months. Depending on your situation and coverage, it can last for a few years or until you reach retirement age.

Social Security Disability Insurance

You may also qualify for the Social Security Disability Insurance program if you have a condition that will keep you out of work for at least a year, provided you have worked long enough to qualify for Social Security. If eligible, you and certain family members may receive a monthly Social Security payment. However, it can be difficult to qualify, and the payments are frequently not enough to live an average lifestyle, says the NAHU.

Group disability insurance

Group disability insurance is usually a benefit offered by employers to their employees. Typically, a group disability plan won’t require a health check or physical, as is sometimes required with individual plans.

While some states require employers to provide short-term coverage, there are no laws that require long-term coverage to be provided. According to the III, around half of large and mid-sized employers have some type of long-term offering that covers about 60 percent of an employee’s wages.