What happens to your family if you can not work?
Income protection insurance replaces your paycheck if illness or injury keeps you from working. Get matched with a licensed advisor and compare your options for free.
1 in 4
Workers become disabled before retirement
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Cost to compare your options
Thousands of working moms secured their income through TheSmartMom
Licensed advisors only - Free service - No obligations
A disability can happen to anyone. Most families are not financially ready.
The average long-term disability claim lasts nearly 3 years. Without income replacement, families drain savings, fall behind on bills, and face financial devastation, all while managing a health crisis.
Income protection insurance is the financial safety net that keeps your family stable when life does not go according to plan.
Your income is your family's foundation
Your paycheck covers the mortgage, groceries, childcare, and everything else. If it stops, your family feels it immediately.
Disability is more common than you think
One in four workers will experience a disability that prevents them from working for 90 days or more before they reach retirement age.
Savings run out faster than expected
Most families have less than 3 months of savings. Income protection insurance fills the gap during an extended illness or injury.
Find the right type of income protection
Short-Term Disability
Replaces 60 to 80% of your income for a few weeks to 6 months following illness, surgery, or injury. Often includes maternity leave coverage.
Best for: New moms, recent health events, recovery periods
Long-Term Disability
Replaces 40 to 70% of your income for months, years, or until retirement if a serious illness or injury prevents you from working.
Best for: Primary breadwinners, self-employed, professionals
Critical Illness Rider
Pays a lump sum if you are diagnosed with a covered condition such as cancer, heart attack, or stroke. Use the money however you need.
Best for: Adding a layer of protection on top of disability
Our standards
How it works
Three simple steps to secure your income and your family's financial future.
Tell us about your situation
Share your income, occupation, and coverage needs. No documents required at this stage.
Get matched with a licensed advisor
A licensed disability insurance advisor contacts you with quotes tailored to your income and health profile.
Choose your plan and enroll
Review your options, ask questions, and enroll when you are ready. Coverage can begin within days.
Moms who protected their income
"I fractured my wrist and could not work for 3 months. My income protection policy replaced 65% of my salary the entire time. It saved us from wiping out our savings."
"I never thought about disability insurance until my sister got sick. TheSmartMom helped me find coverage I could afford as a freelance designer. Wish I had done it sooner."
"The advisor was so knowledgeable. She explained the difference between short-term and long-term disability in plain language and found me a policy that fits my teacher's salary."
Testimonials recreated for illustration purposes.
Why families trust TheSmartMom
We connect you with licensed advisors who compare options from multiple carriers to find the best fit for you.
Licensed advisors only
Every advisor in our network holds a valid state license and is trained in disability and income protection products.
Unbiased recommendations
Our advisors compare options from multiple carriers to find the plan that fits your income, occupation, and budget.
A real person in your corner
Talk to a licensed human who understands the complexity of disability insurance and explains everything clearly.
Completely free to compare
TheSmartMom is free for consumers. Your advisor is compensated by the insurer only if you enroll, not before.
Income protection FAQ
What is income protection insurance?
Income protection insurance (also called disability insurance) replaces a percentage of your income, typically 40 to 80%, if you become unable to work due to illness or injury. It pays monthly benefits directly to you so you can cover your mortgage, bills, and family expenses while you recover.
How much does income protection insurance cost?
Premiums typically range from 1 to 3% of your annual income. For example, a teacher earning $55,000 per year might pay $45 to $100 per month for a solid long-term disability policy. Your exact premium depends on your age, occupation, health, and the benefit period you choose.
What is the elimination period and why does it matter?
The elimination period (also called a waiting period) is the number of days you must be disabled before benefits begin. Common options are 30, 60, 90, or 180 days. A longer elimination period means lower premiums. If you have 3 months of savings, a 90-day elimination period can significantly reduce your cost.
Does income protection cover pregnancy and maternity leave?
Short-term disability insurance often covers normal delivery and C-sections as a disability claim, typically paying benefits for 6 to 8 weeks. Some policies require you to be enrolled before becoming pregnant. Your advisor will clarify the maternity provisions of any policy you consider.
What if I am self-employed or a freelancer?
Self-employed individuals and freelancers have no employer-provided disability coverage and are especially vulnerable. Individual disability insurance is available for self-employed workers, though underwriting is based on documented income. Your advisor will explain how to qualify based on your tax returns.
Is there a difference between short-term and long-term disability?
Yes. Short-term disability typically covers disabilities lasting from a few weeks to 6 months, replacing a higher percentage of income (often 60 to 80%). Long-term disability activates after short-term ends and can pay benefits for years or even until retirement age, usually replacing 40 to 70% of income.
Your income is your family's lifeline. Protect it before something happens.
Answer a few quick questions. A licensed advisor will reach out with income protection options tailored to your job, income, and budget. No cost, no pressure.
- 100% free service for consumers
- Licensed advisors in every state
- Short-term and long-term options compared
- Matched with an advisor within 24 hours
Get your free quotes now
A licensed advisor will contact you within 24 hours with personalized options.
Free service. No obligations. Your data is never shared without your consent.
TheSmartMom is a lead generation service that connects consumers with licensed insurance professionals. We are not an insurance company or broker. Income protection and disability insurance products are offered by licensed insurance professionals in your state. By submitting your information, you authorize licensed agents to contact you regarding disability and income protection products. Coverage, rates, and availability vary by state, carrier, and occupation class. Not available in all states.