September will mark the first Income Protection Awareness Week. Income protection can provide financial security when you need it most, but it’s often something that’s overlooked. If you recognise these five scenarios, it may be worth looking at how income protection could fit into your wider plans.
1. Your employer doesn’t offer sick pay
It’s worth looking at the benefits your employer offers when weighing up the pros and cons of income protection. You should check what your employer’s sick pay policy is and how long it lasts.
Many employers offer an enhanced sick pay policy that means you’d continue to receive an income in the short term if you were unable to work. However, it’s worth noting that these policies rarely go beyond 12 months. So, an income protection policy with a long deferment period may still be beneficial.
If your employer doesn’t offer sick pay, you will usually receive Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if you need to take time off. SSP pays £96.35 each week in 2021/22 up to a maximum of 28 weeks. Relying on SSP alone can mean you face serious financial difficulties if your income did stop due to illness.
2. You are self-employed
If you’re self-employed, taking time off work can have a huge impact on your income and may even affect long-term projects. It may mean you’re tempted to work despite being ill or that you rush back too soon without giving yourself enough time to recover. Receiving a reliable income through an income protection policy means you can focus on your health without having to worry about financial security.
3. Your emergency fund wouldn’t cover essentials
If you have to rely on your emergency fund, how long would it last? An emergency fund is an excellent option for providing short-term financial security if the unexpected happens. This money should be readily accessible and ideally cover three to six months of expenses.
If your emergency fund wouldn’t be enough to provide peace of mind, income protection could help.
While your emergency find may provide security for a few months, if a long-term illness affected you, you could still find that you face financial insecurity. Again, income protection with a long deferment policy can give you confidence while reducing premiums in this case.
4. Your salary is the main income source for your family
Your income may be essential for your family’s finances. If you have dependents, taking additional steps to ensure financial security if the unexpected happens becomes even more important. Losing income even for a few months could mean significant lifestyle changes for your family and may affect long-term prospects if you’re forced to dip into savings.
5. You don’t have any passive sources of income
If you have a passive income, such as from investments or rental properties, you may be able to cover the essentials and maintain your lifestyle without your salary. However, if your entire income relies on you being able to go to work, it’s worth thinking about how income protection could provide certainty.
How much does income protection cost?
Income protection will pay out a regular income if you’re too ill or injured to work until you can return, retire, or the policy ends. It can be difficult to put a value on that, but often income protection is cheaper than you think.
Many things will influence the cost of income protection. This includes decisions you make when selecting a policy, like the level of cover you want or how long you’ll need to wait before making a claim. Your health and lifestyle can also have an impact, from your age to whether you smoke. As a result, it’s important to receive quotes that are tailored to you but don’t simply dismiss income protection as expensive.
As with all financial decisions, you need to consider if income protection is right for you. Spending some time contemplating how you’d cope financially without your income can help you assess if income protection can add value to you. If you’d like to discuss whether it makes sense for your circumstance or need help choosing an appropriate income protection policy, please contact us.
Please note: This blog is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
Income Protection plans typically have no cash in value at any time and cover will cease at the end of term. If premiums stop, then cover will lapse. Their tax status could change in the future.
