Welcome to the Council for Disability Awareness’ (CDA) blog site. Here, employers, consumers, and financial advisors will find posts dedicated to disability insurance awareness, workplace best practices, health and wellness, and what you need to know about protecting yourself, your income and your family.
Disability insurance provides critical financial protection that is very different from other insurance products. Millions of working Americans don’t have it, and many don’t fully understand what it protects. Visit RealityCheckUp.info to find more information about insuring your income and learn why disability insurance is necessary for every working American.
By Peter Fabiankovic, Corporate Counsel, U.S. Insurance Law, MetLife Workplace leave and absence management is top-of-mind for employers and employees, as it provides an important element of financial stability. Several studies bear this out, including MetLife’s 17th annual U.S. Employee Benefit Trends Study, where more than 90 percent of employees said short-term disability insurance…
DetailsNo one plans to have cancer. Aside from the shock and anxiety for the future a diagnosis brings, cancer also presents a financial situation that few people fully consider. Huge medical bills, on top of the typical expenses like college loans, mortgages, and car payments, can leave survivors concerned about their finances. Despite this, there…
DetailsUnbeknownst to you, your employees may have made “getting a new job” as one of their new year’s resolutions. And that can spell trouble, considering that job postings skyrocket in January. Here are the signs to watch for in employees that could signal they are looking around—and changes you can make to help keep them…
DetailsI grew up moving around quite a bit, so I never really got to know my extended family. I saw grandparents on holidays, and a couple aunts and uncles once in a great while. But other than my parents and sister, most of my relatives were strangers to me. Years ago, I dragged myself…
DetailsEmployers are offering more and more voluntary benefits—and workers want these benefits. A recent study showed that nearly one third of eligible employees were signing up for voluntary offerings (that’s a higher participation rate than in earlier years). Amy Hollis is the national leader of voluntary benefits for HR consultancy Willis Towers Watson. She recently…
DetailsWhen February rolls around, some of us fist pump the air. “Yay! A whole month with my resolution.” Others (a larger amount, by the way) think, “Ugh. I have already failed.” Here’s the thing: February is a great time to reboot your resolution. In fact, ANY TIME is a great time. There is nothing magical…
DetailsThe “Sunday Scaries” Are Real, But You Can Help Your Employees Avoid Them We all know that Friday feeling, but unfortunately, it’s followed all-too-soon by its evil twin, the Sunday Scaries. Not familiar with that term? Sunday Scaries is that general anxiety that the weekend is over—and you’re about to start another week. The truth…
DetailsFeed a cold and starve a fever? Or is it feed a fever and starve a cold? The old adage dates back to the 1500s when it was believed that feeding helped warm a body up, and therefore beat a cold; and starving deprived the body of energy, therefore helping it cool and stop a fever. It’s…
DetailsBy Holly Clark of FirstCare Aging is an inevitable part of life that will affect us all. It’s considered a blessing to attain a ripe old age, but it it often comes with certain challenging health conditions, many of which greatly impact quality of life and reduce longevity. Difficulties in walking, in particular, impact many…
DetailsBecoming a parent is an extraordinary and, at times, stressful endeavor. Your life is about to fundamentally change. And as you plan the myriad dimensions of this new reality, you may be wondering how you’ll cover all the bills while you take time off work. Family leave is a complex issue and it requires a…
DetailsIt took four years to get my son’s blood test to come back “normal.” Four. Long. Years! The little monster was diagnosed with celiac disease at 18 months. He’d started feeling bad and losing weight, so the doctor ordered a blood test. The indicators for celiac came back so high, the doctor thought it might…
DetailsThere are so many health benefits that come alongside having a dog as a companion. Whether it’s the popular Poodle, or the less well known Silver Labrador, all dogs provide benefits such as encouraging more exercise and therefore having better heart health. They can even help people with mental health problems, and bring many benefits…
DetailsIt’s a new year, a new beginning. We’re feeling refreshed after a season of holiday cheer and celebrating with family and friends. Maybe some of us ate and drank a little too much. And maybe we spent our entire year-end bonus on presents that the kids are already tired of playing with. But we all…
DetailsThey certainly aren’t the bicycles your parents had hanging from the ceiling of your childhood home garage. Electric bikes are changing the way people get around town by eliminating some of the common hurdles associated with commuting by bike while adding health, efficiency, convenience, and fun to the journey. If you’re looking for ways to…
DetailsIs your office quiet that last week between Christmas and New Year’s? Chances are good it is; one survey found that 1/3 of U.S. workers planned to take the entire week as vacation, with nearly 70% expecting to take at least part of it. But while the rest of your office might be relaxing…
DetailsI am not a doctor. I didn’t even like science in school. What I am is a sixty-something guy who works in an office and has been highly skeptical of all diets – I think they’re fads – for my entire adult life. Diets all typically have a gimmick, may work for a while, but…
DetailsThe start of a New Year—and decade!—is the perfect time to kick off or refresh HR-related programs. As company culture becomes more important than ever for employees, the payoff that comes from programs that meet their needs can be huge in terms of retention. Don’t forget that with the New Year comes resolutions—and for some…
DetailsThe holidays are here. The season of giving, spending, celebration, and for many, the season of high calorie overeating. According to a 2016 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the average American gains about a pound between Thanksgiving and the beginning of January. Even though the weight gain isn’t as high as…
DetailsOffice gift giving can be a source of holiday stress; in fact a recent study found that nearly 20% of millennials were worried they’d be judged by the gift they chose for an office gift exchange. How do you decide what sort of holiday gifts are appropriate at the office? Here are some tips for…
DetailsLong-term disability insurance. It’s not as immediate a need as health insurance, and you probably don’t think it works into your long-term financial plan as much as life insurance does. But it’s still really, really important. Long-term disability insurance is, at its core, income replacement. It can help you make ends meet when you’re unable…
DetailsStudent loans and the increasing size of their associated debt continue to grab headlines. The ongoing political environment and upcoming presidential election is significantly increasing the discussion of various proposals and ideas. From a historical perspective student loans are certainly not new. The debt levels, however, are even more evident when you look at the…
DetailsAs we head into the busy holiday season, two forces converge—one, some workplaces get extra busy, and two, everyone is craving time off for their own personal celebrations. Here are some suggestions for helping manage employee time off so that everyone feels that they have been treated fairly—or as fairly as possible. (Remember that these…
DetailsDictionary.com defines water as a “colorless, transparent, odorless liquid that forms the seas, lakes, rivers, and rain and is the basis of the fluids of living organisms.” Sounds a little boring, huh? Have you ever wondered why we really need it? Let’s dive in! It’s more than just a thirst quencher. It makes up 60%…
DetailsAs the holiday season rolls around, many companies find they need all hands on deck to handle an increased work load—just when many employees are requesting time off to celebrate with their family and friends. While the current low unemployment rate might make you wonder if you can find extra help, the good news is…
DetailsAches. Fever. Fatigue. If you’ve been bit by a flu bug, you know it. And believe it or not, these uncomfortable symptoms that typically accompany the flu are those that are experienced by the “lucky” ones. That’s because rather than just sending you to bed, severe flu can hospitalize or kill you. In fact, the 2017-2018…
DetailsMore than 155 million U.S. workers are insured for a disability through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. They receive this insurance coverage through their payroll taxes, or FICA taxes, as a part of the Social Security program. When those who experience a chronic health condition, injury or sudden medical crisis need support –…
DetailsBy Katie McCord Jenkins, President and Chairperson, Illinois Mutual. If you were to ask me what type of business my company is in, you might be surprised with my response: We are in the business of preserving dreams and enabling people to live fearlessly in a time when so many live paycheck to paycheck. Yes,…
DetailsAnnual enrollment will soon be underway for many employees. During this time, workers choose benefits they feel are most important to protect their health and financial well-being. Understanding the benefits your employer offers and their associated costs are most likely key considerations for you. In this post, I am going to focus on one…
DetailsBy Nandita Dalal, AVP, Lincoln Financial Jesse Martin should have known about the upside of disability insurance. After all, his mom markets the employee benefit for one of the largest disability insurance companies in the U.S. But Jesse admits the last thing on his mind was to buy coverage that would help replace his paycheck…
DetailsThis post originally appeared on The Engagement Hub, from Airbo.com. Creating a communication plan for Open Enrollment is a daunting task. It can seem impossible to cram all the information employees need into just a few short weeks. In this post, we’ll review the communication strategy we use to help our customers have a successful Open…
DetailsBy Rachel Barrow, Second VP Marketing, Individual Markets, Guardian Life Insurance Company of America. If you’re like many Americans, your employer offers key benefits that provide valuable protection for you and your family. And you’re probably familiar with open enrollment season – that time each year when you may be able to choose your health…
DetailsBy Melissa Thomas, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships at Citizens Disability INTEGRATION. Many people who are part of Generation Z (individuals born between 1995 and 2010) believe Social Security retirement benefits won’t exist when they’re ready to leave the workforce. And, they’re wrong. Chances are high that Social Security will survive for future generations — and that’s in…
DetailsBy Jenn Kischell, Vice President, Group Benefits, MetLife. Open enrollment is taking place across the United States, and like millions of workers, you must submit your choices by a certain deadline. Many younger employees, however, are unsure about what types of coverage to select and how much and are tempted to wait until the…
DetailsEvery HR professional aspires to create a happy and engaged workforce. You might be surprised to find that one of the top ways to do so is to encourage a strong mentorship program. An overwhelming 91% of workers who have a mentor say they are satisfied with their jobs, and more than 40% who didn’t…
DetailsMany people often talk about the benefits that they feel from keeping pets, but are there actually any direct links between our animal friends and mental health? The bond between animals and people has always been strong, and no matter how old we are, people of all age can feel the perks of spending time…
DetailsMove over, Millennials. Today organizations are thinking about Gen Z, the newest cohort joining the workplace. While millennials remain the largest group in the workforce today, they are increasingly being joined by their “younger sibs,” a generation that the Pew Research Center defines as being born from 1997 on. New college grads fit the bill,…
DetailsNew on the job? As they say, you never get a second chance to make a good first impression. Here are 10 ways you can rock your first day, setting yourself up for success from the start. Do your homework beforehand. The last thing you want to do is start the day frazzled because you…
DetailsWith unemployment continuing to hover at record lows, HR is often in a bind—how do they attract not only qualified candidates, but also an inclusive slate of candidates? The answer might lie in your job descriptions. If you are just recycling existing boilerplate copy—a common practice in today’s busy world—you might want to rethink your…
DetailsMany of us relish the summer’s bounty of produce—from juicy berries to succulent tomatoes. But as prime produce season winds down you might be wondering what’s next. Don’t worry! Fall has more to offer than just gorgeous leaves. Here are a few seasonal produce faves and the health benefits they offer. Super Fall Produce…
DetailsEmployers are offering more and more voluntary benefits—and workers want these benefits. A recent study showed that nearly one third of eligible employees were signing up for voluntary offerings (that’s a higher participation rate than in earlier years). Amy Hollis is the national leader of voluntary benefits for HR consultancy Willis Towers Watson. She recently…
DetailsWhen we say “Hello, autumn,” we often are also saying “Hello, germs.” Whether it’s the change in the weather or the many (many!) germs your kids bring home if you have school-aged children, this is when we tend to get the first cold or flu bug of the season. The problem is that most of…
DetailsAs “open enrollment” season looms, HR personnel are getting ready to help their employees make a smart choice regarding their health plan.
DetailsIt’s hard to remember back to your first job, but the learning curve can be steep—even for young adults who did very well in college. In fact, today’s newest professionals, Gen Z, tend to feel hesitant about the work environment, with a quarter believing that they will not meet employers’ expectations. Of course, sometimes…
DetailsFor HR folks, the fall is sort of like their own version of the retail holiday season or the big football final…that’s because it’s open enrollment, the time when employees are able to make major changes to their benefits plans without penalties. And just like retailers start planning their holiday promotions early, so should the…
DetailsHappy New Year! Wait…aren’t we a little early (or a lot late) for that greeting? The truth is that for many people, September is the “real” new year, despite what the calendar says. And it’s easy to see why—after all that was traditionally the time we came back to school in a new outfit, maybe…
DetailsEmployers are offering more and more voluntary benefits—and workers want these benefits. A 2017 study showed that nearly one third of eligible employees were signing up for voluntary offerings (that’s a higher participation rate than in earlier years). Amy Hollis is the national leader of voluntary benefits for HR consultancy Willis Towers Watson. She recently…
DetailsIt’s almost that season—time for school buses and alarm clocks. And if you’re like most families, you’ve probably been letting your sleep schedule slide in favor of late evenings spent enjoying the extra hours of daylight with a bike ride or the glow of a backyard fire pit in the warm night air. We don’t…
DetailsEvery year, thousands of businesses face lawsuits for not taking the proper steps to ensure their establishment is accessible to people with disabilities. Below are some tips to create better access for all – so that as many people as possible can patronize your business — while also avoiding legal trouble. Identify Alternate Entrances…
DetailsThe yard sale is part of the spring cleaning and organizing ritual. Spring is here – get our guide for a successful yard sale.
DetailsIn today’s economy, many companies are finding it challenging to attract the talent they need to fill specific roles. Often that can mean finding a new hire or recruiting an existing employee from another city who would consider relocating for a new position. In fact, one study found that more than half of those surveyed…
DetailsChances are high that you have heard someone talking about the “keto” diet, short for “ketogenic.” And when they talk about it, more than likely they are also raving about all the pounds they have lost and how good they feel. And, chances are also good that has made you curious about it. Let’s find…
DetailsEmployers that implement an employee financial wellness strategy and clearly communicate available benefits resources can make a positive impact in the workplace: for employees, and for the company.
DetailsKey to reversing burnout is recognizing when a change is needed. Taking space to design a plan for growth can avoid stagnation.
DetailsKey to reversing burnout is recognizing when a change is needed. Taking space to design a plan for growth can avoid stagnation.
DetailsWhat are the top causes of disability? HR management can educate employees on common illnesses and disability insurance as a means to protect themselves.
DetailsKey to reversing burnout is taking stock in your past. Taking the time to review your achievements can help plan for a better future.
DetailsA recent study by Guardian on absence management informs us of how employers can help their workers while on leave from a disability, and provide the support they need for when they return to work.
DetailsTaken routinely, PTO is an effective strategy to reduce work stress, but it will not cure or help you avoid burnout by itself. For that, we need to design ourselves a more frequent form of PTO, a daily “Personal Time-Out”
DetailsProfessional growth is key to employee satisfaction and retention. Part of growth is offering a sabbatical program for top talent to recharge.
DetailsHow are single women in the United States more financially vulnerable, especially during times they may need to miss work due to disability. What are tips to help single women bolster their financial literacy and wellbeing.
DetailsTaking a vacation is proven to be good for employee health and workplace wellness. See the results of recent survey on the impact of taking time off.
DetailsWhat Every Employer Should Know About Social Security Disability Insurance
DetailsSome questions are raised in disability insurance claims management review.
DetailsThe yard sale is part of the spring cleaning and organizing ritual. Spring is here – get our guide for a successful yard sale.
DetailsProfessional growth is key to employee satisfaction and retention. Here are ways employers can provide opportunities for learning in the workplace.
DetailsThe yard sale is part of the spring cleaning and organizing ritual. Spring is here – get our guide for a successful yard sale.
DetailsHR ramps up benefits in attracting new employees in candidate driven marketplace
DetailsBy Marjory Robertson, AVP & Senior Counsel and Abigail O’Connell, Senior Counsel, Sun Life Financial When employees need to step away from work — whether to welcome a new child, care for a family member, or another life event — protecting their jobs and benefits, understanding their rights, knowing whether their employers will pay part…
DetailsEmployers that implement an employee financial wellness strategy and clearly communicate available benefits resources can make a positive impact in the workplace: for employees, and for the company.
DetailsBy Gene Lanzoni, Marketing, Thought Leadership, Customer Insights The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America The ability to earn an income is essential to modern living, yet more Americans often prioritize protecting their home, car, health, and teeth over helping protect their income with insurance. When a life event that causes a disability occurs, even in…
DetailsEmployers have an opportunity to differentiate themselves, as well as drive engagement and loyalty among employees by acknowledging the many roles their workers play in and out of the office and ensuring they foster a supportive environment.
DetailsWhat Every Employer Should Know About Social Security Disability Insurance
DetailsWhy does mental health illness (MHI) persist? It turns out several factors might be involved. But there are several employer supported solutions for employees who suffer.
DetailsOur caregiver population is growing. Employers have tools to help support this sector of the US workforce
Detailsemployees look to their employer to offer benefits that provide added protection in the event of a disability. Supplemental income protection can add value to your benefits portfolio as well as a competitive advantage for your company.
DetailsThis article originally appeared in Human Resource Executive. Responding to Risk Whether working in healthcare, for an insurance company, consulting with employers or running a nonprofit, the basic and vexing problem I’m trying to solve is behavior change and how, ultimately, human beings evaluate and respond to risk. The longer I work in and around employee…
DetailsHR ramps up benefits in attracting new employees in candidate driven marketplace
Detailsemployers can help employees with financial literacy
DetailsRecycling program is a good measure of workplace sustainability
DetailsHow to make the most of your tax refund
Detailstax tips for employees during tax refund season
DetailsAn Employer’s Guide to Understanding Social Security Disability Insurance
DetailsLearn about employer opportunity to support employees with long term and short term disability insurance.
DetailsIn depth view of other sources of insurance and income protection
DetailsIn an increasingly competitive job market, employee benefits elevate companies in the minds of their current employees, as well as prospective workers. Below are some of the most important and sought after benefits for employees. Content here was provided to the Council for Disability Awareness blog by benefits expert Phil Bruen, VP, Group Life and…
DetailsEmployee Benefits for Freelancers and Entrepreneurs
DetailsHelping Employees Understand What’s at Stake When a Health Event Keeps Them from Working Employers in America offer health insurance benefits to attract and retain employees, and the open enrollment period is a chance for employees to review and/or change their coverage. However, health insurance does not cover income lost due to a health event…
DetailsUnderstanding Value Based Healthcare
DetailsValue-based health care is an important trend in delivering quality care to consumers in general and, in group health insurance, to employees and their families. It is a delivery model in which self-insured employers and health insurance carriers compensate providers based upon their outcomes, instead of a negotiated fee for services rendered. Data has shown…
DetailsEmployees can learn about the Family Medical Leave Act, and various income protections when they cannot work due to injury, illness or care giving responsibilities.
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