Protect the income everything else depends on.
Individual disability insurance that replaces part of your income if illness or injury keeps you from working, for professionals, business owners and the self-employed.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Your income is your biggest asset
California’s State Disability Insurance program provides short-term benefits to many workers, and some employers offer group coverage. Both can leave gaps, especially for higher earners and the self-employed.
An individual policy is yours, stays with you if you change jobs, and can be designed around your occupation.
- BenefitA monthly payment replacing part of your income.
- Elimination periodThe waiting time before benefits begin, commonly 90 days.
- Benefit periodHow long benefits can last, from a few years to retirement age.
- Definition of disabilityOwn-occupation definitions pay if you can’t do your specific job.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Occupation: job duties.
- Income: annual earned income.
- Existing coverage: group or individual policies.
- Budget: monthly amount you’re comfortable with.
- Waiting period: how long you could cover expenses yourself.
- Health details: not on the website form. I’ll go over what the insurer asks when we talk.
Disability insurance, answered
Doesn’t California SDI cover me?
Many workers are covered by SDI for short-term benefits, but benefits are capped and don’t cover everyone, such as many self-employed people.
How much income can I insure?
Insurers typically cover a portion of earned income, not all of it.
What is own-occupation coverage?
A definition that pays benefits if you can’t perform your specific occupation, even if you could work in another.
Are benefits taxable?
It depends on how premiums are paid. Confirm with your tax advisor.
Do you offer disability insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. California policies are placed directly; outside California the request is handled together with a partner agency in your state, and the shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Tell me what you do and what you earn.
Occupation and income are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued.
A short video from Sam
Under a minute each. Videos use an AI-generated version of Sam’s likeness and voice. General information only; coverage depends on your policy.
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. I review every request personally and call you back, usually the same day.
(424) 552-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.