What is the purpose of disability income insurance?

Disability income insurance replaces a portion of an insured's earned income (commonly around 50–70%) if they become unable to work because of a covered illness or injury. Unlike health insurance, which pays for medical treatment, disability income insurance addresses the lost paycheck. Key features include the elimination (waiting) period before benefits begin, the benefit period (how long benefits last), and the definition of disability (such as 'own occupation' versus 'any occupation'). It protects the insured's most valuable asset — their ability to earn income. Understanding the income-replacement purpose of disability insurance is standard disability-and-LTC content.