How does short-term disability work? Short-term disability kicks in after you've missed a lot of work, say 14 days. It lasts three to six months and pays half to two-thirds of your salary. Most employers provide it, but you can't buy it on the open market.
What about long-term disability? Long-term disability can cover you for two years, five years, to age 65 or for your entire lifetime, depending on the policy. To cut costs, elect to wait 60 or 90 days instead of 30 to get your first check.
How much disability insurance should I have? Cover your income or what it would cost to pay someone for child-care and cleaning. Get partial disability to cover you if you become injured and can only work part-time or have to change jobs.