Disability/LTC Plans

Protect Your Income. Preserve Your Dignity. Prepare for the Unexpected.

At Dharma Life & Wealth Advisors, we understand that life can take unexpected turns. Illness, injury, or aging can impact your ability to work—or even manage day-to-day tasks. That’s why we help individuals and families build personalized plans that safeguard their income, health, and independence through thoughtful disability and long-term care strategies. Whether you're facing a temporary medical leave, preparing for the possibility of a long-term condition, or caring for a loved one with chronic needs, the right plan can provide security when you need it most.

Disability insurance provides income replacement when you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. It helps you stay financially afloat during recovery or long-term medical leave—so you can focus on healing, not bills. There are several types of disability coverage:

• 1. Short-Term Disability (STD)
  • Purpose: Covers temporary conditions like surgeries, childbirth, or short-term illness.
  • Coverage: Replaces 50–70% of your income for a few weeks to 6 months.
  • Waiting Period: Usually 7–14 days.
  • Eligibility: Often provided by employers or purchased privately.
• 2. Long-Term Disability (LTD)
  • Purpose: Supports individuals unable to work for an extended period due to chronic conditions or serious injuries.
  • Coverage: Pays 50–70% of your income after a longer waiting period (30–180 days).
  • Duration: Can last several years or until retirement age.
  • Own vs. Any Occupation: Some policies cover you if you can’t perform your job, others only if you can’t do any job.
• 3. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
  • Provided by: The U.S. government.
  • Eligibility: Requires sufficient work credits and a severe long-term disability.
  • Benefit: Monthly payment based on work history.
  • Note: Application can be lengthy and may require appeals.
• 4. Workers' Compensation
  • Covers: Work-related injuries or illnesses.
  • Benefit: Medical costs + partial wage replacement.
  • Process: File a claim through your employer or state agency.
• 5. Private Disability Insurance
  • Flexibility: Ideal if you’re self-employed or want additional protection.
  • Customizable: Choose your benefit period, waiting time, and definition of disability.
  • Cost: Varies based on your age, job, and health.

Every career and lifestyle carries different risks. That’s why we walk you through:

• Evaluating employer benefits.
• Estimating how much of your income you’d need to replace.
• Determining whether STD, LTD, or both are necessary.
• Coordinating private plans with SSDI or workers’ compensation.

Our goal? To ensure you're covered—without overpaying or being underprotected.

Support That Lasts. Care That Matters.

Disability coverage protects your income. But what if your condition affects your ability to care for yourself long-term? That’s where long-term care planning comes in. Long-term care refers to a range of services designed for people who need help with daily activities—whether due to chronic illness, disability, aging, or cognitive decline. It’s not just medical—it’s deeply personal.

• 1. In-Home Care
  • Personal Care: Help with bathing, dressing, grooming, and mobility.
  • Home Health Care: Nursing, physical therapy, or wound care at home.
  • Companion Care: Social interaction and help with chores for those living alone.
• 2. Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs)
  • Ideal for those who can live independently but need support with tasks.
  • Includes 24/7 supervision, meals, activities, and medication help.
• 3. Nursing Homes (Skilled Nursing Facilities)
  • Provide 24-hour care for those with serious medical needs.
  • Services include rehab therapy, chronic condition management, and ADL assistance.
• 4. Memory Care
  • Specialized care for individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or cognitive disorders.
  • Secure environments, trained staff, and structured daily routines.
• 5. Adult Day Care
  • Daytime support for individuals who return home at night.
  • Balances care needs with caregiver work/life responsibilities.
• 6. Hospice & Palliative Care
  • Hospice: End-of-life care focused on comfort and dignity.
  • Palliative: Supportive care at any stage of a serious illness—alongside treatment.
• 7. Respite Care
  • Temporary care to give primary caregivers a break—available in-home or at a facility.
• 8. Chronic Care Management
  • Ongoing care for long-term conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis.
  • Focuses on monitoring, symptom control, and avoiding complications.

• It’s often not covered by health insurance or Medicare.
• Costs can be significant and ongoing—lasting months or even years.
• Without a plan, families may face emotional strain, financial hardship, or difficult decisions.

We help you explore:

• Long-term care insurance policies.
• Hybrid life & LTC plans.
• Strategies for asset protection and Medicaid planning.
• Planning for loved ones with special needs.

Here’s how we help you design a plan that works for your life:

• Step 1: Understand Your Needs
  • Are you concerned about a short-term leave or a chronic condition?
  • Do you have family history of disability, dementia, or long-term illness?
  • Are you a caregiver worried about future responsibilities?
• Step 2: Review What You Already Have
  • Employer benefits (STD/LTD)
  • Private insurance coverage
  • SSDI or workers’ comp eligibility
  • Savings or investment accounts
• Step 3: Estimate Costs & Gaps
  • What income do you need to maintain your lifestyle if you stop working?
  • How long could your savings last during a medical crisis?
  • Would your family be financially protected?
• Step 4: Create a Flexible Strategy
  • Combine disability and long-term care coverage where needed.
  • Build a cushion for caregiving, aging-in-place, or assisted living.
  • Protect your estate and minimize future tax burdens.

Whether you're protecting your paycheck or preparing for future care needs, disability and long-term care planning go hand-in-hand. At Dharma Life & Wealth Advisors, we take a human-first approach—because your health, dignity, and peace of mind are worth more than any policy.

Let’s talk about your next step.

Ready to explore your options?