New Study on Probability of Disability

A new study shows that the actual percentage of probability of becoming disabled has declined slightly.  However, the length of time on claim has increased.

Milliman, Inc., a global consulting firm , has recently completed a US-based study that showed the probability of a white-collar worker becoming disabled for 90 days or longer between the ages of 35 and 65 is 27% for men and 31% for women, compared to 29% for men and 34% for women in the 1970s and 1980s.

While the chances of becoming disabled have only changed slightly, the duration of disability has increased substantially. A 35 year-old, white-collar male who suffers a disability lasting 90 days or longer will be out of work for an average of about six years. In the 1970s and 1980s, that same male worker would have been out of work for slightly less than four years. The study found that disabilities are lasting longer for female workers too, but the increases have not been as pronounced when compared with the male population.