What would happen to your family if you couldn't work?
Most Canadians are far more likely to experience a disabling illness or injury during their working years than they are to die. Yet disability insurance is the most overlooked coverage in Canada. This calculator shows exactly how much income your family would need replaced — and how big the gap likely is. No sign-up required.
1 in 3
Canadians disabled for 90+ days before 65
90 days
average short term disability claim length
2.5 years
average long term disability claim length
Free
this calculator
Your Income Profile
Your Income
This is what your family actually lives on.
Affects risk profile.
Your Monthly Expenses
Your Existing Protection
Most group plans cover 60-70% to a monthly maximum.
Most group plans cap at $5,000-$7,500/mo. (Leave 0 if unknown)
Average CPP-D: ~$1,100/mo.
Waiting Period
How long before benefits begin. Longer = lower premium.
Want to know what disability coverage costs?
Get a Free QuoteYOUR MONTHLY INCOME GAP
(Monthly need minus all existing coverage)
Monthly Income Needed
$4,500
Existing Coverage
$0
Uncovered Gap
$4,500
Emergency Fund Runway
3 months
Recommended Coverage Amount
$4,500/mo
Moderate Risk Profile
You have some coverage but gaps exist. A review is recommended.
Income Replacement Breakdown
What Happens If You Can't Work?
Month 1-3
Emergency fund covers expenses — but drains fast.
Month 3-6
Savings depleted. Credit cards and lines of credit start.
Month 6-12
Debt accumulates. Mortgage payments at risk.
Month 12+
Financial crisis — potential loss of home, bankruptcy.
SHORT-TERM (3-6 mo)
Slip and fall, surgery recovery, mental health episode. Most common. Emergency fund + short-term coverage handles this.
Lost Income: $18,000
MEDIUM-TERM (6-24 mo)
Cancer treatment, serious injury, chronic illness flare. Group benefits often end. This is where the gap becomes critical.
Lost Income: $54,000
LONG-TERM (2+ yrs)
Permanent disability, progressive illness. 1 in 7 Canadians will face this. Only individual disability coverage protects you here.
Lost Income: $270,000+
Your family needs $3,900/month to cover essential expenses. Your current coverage provides $0/month, leaving a gap of $4,500/month. Without additional coverage, your emergency fund would last 3 months before financial crisis begins.
The disability statistics most Canadians don't know.
Canadians will be disabled for 90 days or more before age 65 — source: Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association.
The average long-term disability claim lasts 2.5 years — that's 30 months of lost income.
Most group disability plans only replace 60 to 70% of income — and that's before tax.
"You are statistically more likely to experience a disabling illness or injury during your working years than you are to die during that same period. Yet most Canadians have life insurance and no disability coverage."
The coverage most Canadians don't have — but should.
Group plans have gaps
Most employer disability plans replace 60 to 70% of your gross income — not your take-home pay. After tax the replacement is often far less than people expect. And the coverage disappears the moment you change jobs.
Harder to qualify than you think
Canada Pension Plan disability benefits exist but are notoriously difficult to qualify for and pay an average of only $1,200 per month — far less than most families need to cover their expenses.
Personal coverage travels with you
Unlike group benefits personal disability insurance stays with you regardless of where you work. It's one of the most important financial protection tools a working Canadian can have.
When did you last review your disability coverage?
Book a free disability coverage review with SarahDon't let a disability destroy your finances.
Disability insurance is the most overlooked coverage in Canada — and the most likely to be needed. Book a free call and we'll show you exactly what coverage costs for your occupation and health profile.
Book your free disability reviewThis calculator provides estimates only and does not constitute insurance advice. Disability statistics sourced from Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association. Always consult a licensed insurance advisor. Sarah Lovett is licensed in British Columbia (LIC-2025-0059458-R01).
