If you’re receiving disability income — whether from Social Security (SSDI), a private insurer, or another source — you might be wondering if life insurance is still within reach.
The good news? Yes, people on disability can get life insurance.
But the type of policy, cost, and approval process will vary depending on your situation.
In this guide, we’ll walk through:
- What options are available if you’re on disability
- What insurers look for
- How to get covered (even if your health is complicated)
- Smart tips for improving your chances
🧾 Types of Disability Income That Affect Life Insurance Applications
The source of your disability income matters:
✅ Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- Based on prior work history
- Suggests a long-term or permanent disability
- May make traditional underwriting more difficult (but not impossible)
✅ Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Income-based assistance (not work-related)
- Often used for more severe or early-onset disabilities
- May limit financial ability to pay premiums
✅ Private Disability Insurance
- May come through your employer or personal policy
- Doesn’t always affect life insurance eligibility, especially if temporary
💡 Can You Get Life Insurance While Disabled?
Yes — but here’s what it depends on:
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Type and severity of disability | Major underwriting factor |
| Life expectancy | May limit policy types |
| Mental vs physical disability | Affects policy availability |
| Ability to work part-time | May improve chances |
| Age | Younger applicants may have better options |
| Overall health | Medications, BMI, labs, etc. still matter |
🏥 Physical vs Mental Disabilities: How Insurers Treat Them Differently
🔹 Physical Disabilities
If you have a physical disability (e.g. mobility impairment, hearing/vision loss, amputation), but your health is otherwise stable, you may qualify for term or whole life insurance.
Insurers focus more on life expectancy than functionality.
🔹 Mental Health Disabilities
Mental health conditions (e.g. major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia) are underwritten more carefully due to higher statistical risk factors.
You may be asked about:
- Hospitalizations
- Suicide attempts
- Medication history
- Psychiatric evaluations
Don’t let that scare you — approval is still possible, but it may take more documentation and explanation.
🛡️ Best Life Insurance Policies for People on Disability
Let’s look at your likely options, based on severity and financial situation:
✅ Term Life Insurance
- Offers higher coverage at a lower cost
- Best for temporary or less severe disabilities
- Requires health underwriting (exam or simplified)
✅ Whole Life Insurance
- More expensive, but provides permanent coverage
- Builds cash value slowly over time
- May be harder to qualify for if you’re on SSDI or SSI
✅ Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance
- No medical questions, no exams
- Designed for people with serious health or disability concerns
- Payouts usually between $5,000–$25,000
- 2-year waiting period before full death benefit applies
✅ Final Expense Insurance
- Focused on funeral/burial costs
- Lower coverage, but easier approval
- Great option if other policies aren’t accessible
💰 Can You Afford Life Insurance While on Disability?
Life insurance can be affordable, even on a fixed income.
Tips to keep costs low:
- Choose term coverage if you qualify
- Look for guaranteed issue or simplified issue options
- Compare multiple carriers before choosing
- Ask about premium waivers for disability
Some insurers may allow lower monthly premiums or offer special accommodations based on financial hardship.
🧠 Tips to Improve Your Chances of Approval
- Work with an independent agent
They’ll match you with the companies most likely to approve your case. - Be honest about your health and disability
Withholding information will backfire — transparency builds trust with underwriters. - Gather your medical records in advance
Having clean documentation of stability helps your case. - Apply to only one or two companies at a time
Too many applications can flag your file. - Consider a graded or simplified issue policy
These policies may offer a path to coverage even with significant disabilities.
❓ Can I Get Life Insurance for Someone Who’s on Disability?
Yes — as long as you can show insurable interest and consent.
For example:
- A child buying a policy for a disabled parent
- A spouse purchasing coverage on their partner
- A caregiver or guardian applying with approval
Note: You cannot take out life insurance on someone without their knowledge.
✅ The Bottom Line
Being on disability doesn’t disqualify you from getting life insurance.
Whether you’re receiving SSDI, SSI, or private disability benefits, you still have options — especially with final expense or guaranteed issue policies.
Your best bet? Work with a knowledgeable agent who understands high-risk applications and can guide you to the right insurer.
Contact Us If You’d Like to Speak With a Licensed Professional About Your Options.
📚 Read Next:
👉 Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance: Pros, Cons, and Best Companies
👉 Life Insurance Without a Medical Exam: Who Should Get It?
👉 Best Life Insurance for People With Pre-Existing Conditions
