July 2025 – Fraternal Benefits Message

While workers' compensation provides benefits for work-related injuries and illnesses, it doesn't cover disabilities that occur outside of the workplace. Disability insurance extends your financial protection to a wider range of situations, including illnesses and injuries from non-work-related events like car accidents or sports-related injuries. Therefore, it's a good idea to have both, as they offer complementary coverage. Here's a more detailed explanation. Workers' Compensation: This is a mandatory insurance program for employers in most states, designed to cover medical expenses and lost wages for employees injured or becoming ill due to their job. Disability Insurance: This is a private insurance policy, not always mandatory, that provides income replacement for disabilities that prevent you from working, regardless of whether the disability is work-related or not. Complementary Coverage: Disability insurance can be crucial for situations where workers' compensation doesn't apply. For instance, if you're injured while commuting to work, at home, or during recreational activities, workers' compensation wouldn't cover those situations. Supplementing Benefits: Even when workers' compensation does apply, disability insurance can supplement the benefits, especially if workers' compensation doesn't fully cover your lost income or if your disability extends beyond the duration of workers' compensation benefits. In essence, workers' compensation acts as a safety net for work-related incidents, while disability insurance provides a broader safety net for a wider range of potential disabling events. The Knights of Columbus offer disability insurance for members and their families along with many options for financial protection. Give me a call and let me know how I can help you best.

Ryan Janak – Field Agent

832-693-3160

Ryan.Janak@kofc.org