1. If I’m disabled, Social Security disability will cover my living expenses and start quickly.

The truth: Only those severely disabled qualify, usually by medical conditions that last at least a year or result in death. If you can do any kind of work, you are not likely to be approved. If approved, the average benefit is less than $1,200 per month.

2. Most disabilities result from accidents.

The truth: According to the Council for Disability Awareness, 90 percent of disabilities are caused by illness such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, back pain and arthritis. Only 10 percent are caused by injuries or accidents.

3. My family would be OK if I were disabled.

The truth: It’s estimated that 71 percent of our population is at immediate financial risk after missing just one paycheck. According to the American Journal of Medicine, 62 percent of personal bankruptcies and half of home foreclosures are caused by medical problems.

4. Most disabilities are short-term.

The truth: The average disability last about 2� years. One in eight people that are disabled will be disabled for more than 5 years.

5. If I’m disabled, it will most likely be covered by Workman’s Compensation.

The Truth: Less than 5 percent of disability-causing incidents are work-related. More than 95 percent do not qualify for Workman’s Compensation.

6. Others will take care of me and provide for my family.

The Truth: Friends, family and church members may help with early expenses. But disabilities can be lengthy and those who help are unlikely to be able to sustain the level of support you’ll need.

7. It won’t happen to me.

The Truth: One in four Americans will become disabled at some time during their career. For young adults the odds of having a period of disability before age 65 is about six times higher than the odds of dying before age 65. Disability insurance is a way to protect your paycheck and your family’s future.

Don Spencer is the Church Financial Benefits Consultant for the Kentucky Baptist Convention.