Income Protection When You Need it Most
Guarding Your Income In Illness and Injury

Gain partial income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury

Offers both short-term and long-term disability options for varying needs

Ensures family financial stability if you are unable to work

Covers a wide range of physical disabilities that prevent you from working

OUR APPROACH
Disability Insurance: Protecting Your Income When You Need It Most
Disability insurance plays a critical role in protecting your most valuable asset, your ability to earn an income. An unexpected illness or injury can interrupt cash flow and place long-term financial goals at risk if proper coverage is not in place.
In conclusion, effective disability insurance planning combines careful evaluation of income needs, coverage options, and ongoing review. By selecting the right protection and aligning it with your broader financial strategy, individuals and businesses can safeguard income stability and maintain financial confidence even during unforeseen life events.
We Bring You Disability Insurance That Protects Your Income

STEP-1
Income Protection Planning
Clearly define how much income needs to be protected if illness or injury prevents you from working, ensuring essential expenses and financial commitments remain covered.

STEP-2
Benefit Structure and Coverage Design
Evaluate policy options, benefit periods, and coverage terms to create protection that aligns with your occupation, earnings, and long-term financial goals.

STEP-3
Risk Assessments
Assess personal, professional, and business-related risks to determine appropriate disability coverage and reduce financial vulnerability during unexpected life

STEP-4
Policy Review & Ongoing Guidance
Stay informed about policy terms, coverage adequacy, and life changes, ensuring your disability insurance continues to support your income and financial stability over time.
WHAT WE DO
We Bring You the Right Solutions, All in One Place
No matter where you are in your financial or business journey, clarity matters. At JLA Financial Planning, we provide a wide range of integrated solutions designed to support individuals, families, and businesses through every stage of decision-making. Our approach is personalized, strategic, and comprehensive; bringing together planning, protection, and guidance so every part of your financial picture works together with purpose.

Our Consultation is Always Aligned With Your Income Protection Strategy
Our disability insurance consultation focuses on protecting your earning power, so an unexpected illness or injury doesn’t disrupt your lifestyle, obligations, or long-term financial plans.
MEET OUR TEAM
Our Associates

Juan Luis Aquino
MBA, CCFP, CPFC, FRC
Specialist in Retirement Income and Tax Planning

Amarilis Alicea
CCPF, CPFC
Specialized Risk Analyst

Magdalis Martinez
CCFP, CPFC
Final Expense Planning Specialist
Frequently Asked Questions
Disability Insurance (DI) is coverage that replaces your income when you become unable to work due to an illness, injury, or disability. Because unexpected medical issues can make it hard to continue earning money, having a plan for financial security is crucial to start with. A brief interruption in your ability to work can create hardship for you now and affect your long-term financial plans.
There are many different types of DI, but most provide monthly payment options to replace a portion of your income while not being able to work to cover your ongoing expenses. These plans vary in their benefit periods (length of time for which DI will pay) from several months up to the point of normal retirement age based on the specific policy selected.
The most valuable feature of this insurance is peace of mind knowing that you will receive some income if you are unable to work due to a covered cause, so you will not have to liquidate your retirement savings to meet your expenses while on claim. Additionally, there is flexibility in how much you replace your income and length of time that you will receive benefits so that you can select the plan that meets your individual needs.
Both short term and long term disability insurance provide a critical level of protection. However they differ in their extent, period and purpose. Knowing the differences between each type of insurance will help you choose the one that fits your financial planning needs, especially when assisted by our professionals.
The term short term disability insurance refers to a type of private insurance that is typically used in case you are unable to work due to an illness, injury, or certain medical conditions for a period of time, generally less than seven days and for for a longer period like a couple weeks to a maximum of approximately six months, and in some instances up to twelve months depending on the specifics of the insurance policy.
A Short-term disability insurance typically replaces a certain percentage of the individual’s weekly salary (generally between 60% and 70%) for a while as the person recovers from illness, injury, or a specific condition so that they have enough money to pay for basic needs such as rent, food, or medical bills while they recover.
Most employers offer short-term disability insurance as a group benefit at no or very little cost, making this benefit available to many. Short-term disability insurance is a great option for those recovering from a surgical procedure or other injury who are expected to be back in a short span of time.
On the contrary, long-term disability insurance is where the person continues to receive benefits after the disabling condition has lasted for a period of time, and the individual has received all of the benefits from their primary source of income. This type of disability insurance coverage will take effect after your short-term insurance coverage expires, usually requiring a 90-to-180 day waiting period.
This insurance may continue until retirement age or the end of their career, depending on the employee’s length of time with their employer, for permanent disabilities such as chronic diseases, catastrophic injuries, or terminal diseases such as cancer or multiple sclerosis. The policyholder will also receive 50-70% of their income before the disability began but the long-term disability insurance policy will require more stringent requirements regarding the injury; these definitions change from one policy to another but may include: «own occupation» coverage will pay you if you can no longer perform your specific job; «any occupation» coverage means that you must be unable to work in any capacity whatsoever. As a result, the average long-term policy may be much higher in cost and could require a separate purchase if your employer does not provide the coverage.
Significant differences exist in terms of cost, eligibility, and flexibility between the two types of plans. The costs associated with short-term disability insurance are usually much less expensive and easier to qualify for than a long-term disability insurance policy. Also, since long-term disability benefits are taxable in some cases (i.e., short-term disability benefits paid by the employer), the tax-exempt nature of the long-term disability benefits also has to be considered.
JLA Financial Planning will analyze your job stability, income, and lifestyle to recommend personalized solutions and equip you with retirement and investment strategies to work together as one cohesive unit. A professional will assist you in avoiding any potential gaps in your insurance that could hinder your financial goals.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a crucial government program designed to provide financial support for individuals who become unable to work due to a qualifying disability. The program is meant to replace a portion of your income when an illness or injury prevents you from continuing your employment. For residents in Puerto Rico, social security disability insurance in Puerto Rico operates similarly to the U.S. mainland, offering benefits based on work history and payroll tax contributions.
To qualify for SSDI, individuals must have worked for a certain number of years and paid into the Social Security system through their payroll taxes. The number of work credits required depends on your age at the time of disability. For example, younger individuals may need fewer work credits, while those over 30 may need more. In Puerto Rico, the eligibility criteria align with those of the mainland, but local administrative processes can differ slightly.
Once qualified, SSDI provides a monthly benefit, which is typically a percentage of your pre-disability earnings. The exact amount is based on your previous income and work history, but it is designed to replace a portion of your lost income rather than your full salary. While SSDI helps cover essential living expenses, it’s not meant to fully replace your entire income.
At JLA Financial Planning, we assist individuals in navigating the SSDI application process, which can be complicated and time-consuming. We help ensure that your application is accurate, complete, and submitted on time, maximizing your chances of approval. If your initial claim is denied, we also guide you through the appeals process, which can significantly improve your odds of obtaining benefits.
While SSDI provides a vital source of financial support, it’s important to note that the benefits may not be sufficient to maintain your lifestyle, particularly if your condition is long-term. That’s why at JLA Financial Planning, we offer comprehensive services to help integrate SSDI benefits into your overall financial planning strategy. We guide you on how to manage income from SSDI, coordinate it with other insurance policies, and assess any gaps in coverage, ensuring that your long-term financial goals remain intact, even in the event of a disability.
Additionally, health insurance planning plays a critical role when applying for SSDI. Once approved, the SSDI benefits are subject to federal and possibly local taxes, so proper tax planning is essential. At JLA, we work with clients to ensure that their tax implications are minimized and their income is protected.
In summary, Social Security Disability Insurance in Puerto Rico provides essential support for individuals unable to work due to disability. The process of applying for SSDI can be complex, but with JLA Financial Planning’s assistance, you can successfully navigate the application process and ensure your benefits are integrated into a solid, long-term financial plan.
Long-term disability (LTD) insurance is a critical part of a comprehensive financial plan, especially when it comes to income protection in the event of illness or injury. At JLA Financial Planning, we believe that LTD insurance plays a pivotal role in creating a safety net that complements other elements of your benefits package and personal savings strategy. Properly integrating LTD with employer benefits and personal savings can ensure a more stable financial future, even if you can no longer work due to a disability.
For many individuals, employer-sponsored long-term disability insurance is a primary form of coverage. Employers may offer this benefit as part of their overall employee benefits package, and in many cases, LTD coverage is offered at no additional cost to employees. However, the terms of employer-sponsored LTD can vary greatly. Some employers provide basic coverage, which may replace a portion of your income (often 50%-70%) if you become disabled, while others offer more comprehensive plans that provide higher percentages of income replacement.
One of the key features of LTD insurance through an employer is that it is typically more affordable than purchasing individual coverage. Since the employer negotiates the plan for a group, the premiums are often lower. However, the integration between LTD insurance and other employee benefits needs careful attention. For instance, you may also have access to health insurance, life insurance, or retirement plans that work in tandem with LTD benefits. It’s essential to understand how these benefits overlap to ensure you have the right coverage and that your financial planning accommodates any gaps.
While employer-sponsored LTD coverage is helpful, it may not provide sufficient income to maintain your lifestyle during an extended disability. This is where personal savings come into play. At JLA Financial Planning, we often guide clients to think of LTD insurance as a part of a larger income protection strategy. Even if LTD covers a significant portion of your income, it might fall short of covering all living expenses, especially if you have large debts, dependents, or high monthly costs.
Personal savings, emergency funds, and investment accounts serve as the backbone of your financial security when LTD benefits alone are not enough. One way to ensure seamless integration is to regularly evaluate your emergency fund. A well-funded emergency fund can cover expenses during a waiting period before LTD benefits kick in, or it can help supplement the income replacement once benefits are received.
Another factor to consider is retirement planning. LTD insurance can affect how you plan for retirement savings. If your LTD benefits replace a portion of your income, this may free up additional funds to continue saving in your retirement accounts. However, it’s important to consider whether your retirement goals are at risk if your income is reduced due to a disability. At JLA, we help clients evaluate how LTD insurance impacts their ability to continue contributing to 401(k) or IRA accounts if they are no longer able to work.
Taxation is another area where LTD insurance must be integrated into your broader financial plan. LTD benefits are typically taxed as ordinary income if the premiums were paid by the employer or through pre-tax deductions. If you paid for the coverage with after-tax dollars, the benefits may be tax-free. Understanding the tax implications of LTD benefits is crucial, and we assist clients in aligning their disability insurance with both tax planning and other financial strategies.
At JLA Financial Planning, we understand that long-term disability insurance is not just about protecting income—it’s about integrating it within a broader financial strategy. By coordinating LTD benefits with employer coverage, personal savings, and retirement planning, individuals can ensure a more comprehensive safety net in the event of disability. Our role is to help you evaluate your needs, understand your benefits, and craft a strategy that protects you and your family from life’s unexpected challenges, allowing you to focus on recovery and not financial worry.
Disability insurance in Puerto Rico differs from mainland U.S. options primarily due to local tax treatment, coverage options, and eligibility criteria. While the underlying concept of disability insurance remains the same—providing income replacement if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury—the way the policies are structured and how benefits are handled can vary significantly depending on whether you are in Puerto Rico or the mainland.
One of the primary differences lies in the tax treatment of benefits. In the U.S. mainland, disability benefits from employer-sponsored plans are generally taxed as ordinary income, while benefits from private policies that are paid with after-tax premiums are typically tax-free. In Puerto Rico, disability insurance benefits are subject to local tax laws, which may differ from U.S. federal rules. Residents of Puerto Rico generally do not pay U.S. federal income taxes on Puerto Rico–source income, but they are subject to Puerto Rico’s own income tax system. This difference makes it essential for Puerto Rico residents to carefully evaluate how disability insurance in Puerto Rico will impact their overall tax situation compared to mainland plans.
Another consideration is eligibility. While mainland U.S. residents are often covered by Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or private disability policies, the Social Security system in Puerto Rico is separate from the mainland system, and the eligibility for disability benefits may vary. For instance, the number of work credits required to qualify for benefits under Puerto Rico’s Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD) program might differ slightly from the mainland, which can affect how residents access benefits. Additionally, private disability insurance options in Puerto Rico may have different underwriting rules and benefits depending on local regulations and insurance market conditions.
Coverage options can also vary. On the U.S. mainland, disability insurance often includes a range of private options, including short-term and long-term disability policies, as well as coverage provided through employer-sponsored plans. In Puerto Rico, the availability of certain types of private disability insurance plans might be more limited, particularly in terms of group policies provided by employers. Many businesses in Puerto Rico offer basic group disability insurance plans, but these may not offer the same breadth of benefits or flexibility as those available in larger U.S. markets. Individual policies, however, can be tailored to fit a person’s unique needs and typically offer more flexibility.
Additionally, provider networks and plan structures in Puerto Rico may not mirror mainland offerings. Insurance providers in Puerto Rico tend to focus on the local market, which means that disability insurance companies in Puerto Rico may offer different benefit structures, service options, and customer support channels compared to mainland U.S. providers. There may also be fewer plan choices available, particularly for individuals seeking specialized coverage or higher-income replacement levels.
At JLA Financial Planning, we guide our clients through these differences and ensure that their disability insurance coverage, whether sourced locally or from the mainland, is properly integrated into their financial plan. Understanding the nuances of disability insurance in Puerto Rico allows us to craft solutions that provide reliable income protection while minimizing tax exposure and aligning with long-term financial goals.
Short-term disability insurance in Puerto Rico provides essential protection against income loss from non-work-related injuries, illnesses, or maternity, ensuring residents maintain financial stability during recovery. At JLA Financial Planning, we guide clients through these options as part of comprehensive risk management, helping integrate them into broader financial strategies like investments and retirement planning.
Eligibility for these plans typically requires employment in Puerto Rico’s private sector, where employers must offer coverage through the mandatory SINOT program or an approved equivalent. You need to have earned a minimum wage—often around $150—in a base period, such as the prior four out of five quarters, confirming active «insured employment.» This applies to full-time, part-time, and even new hires if prior work history qualifies, making it accessible for most workers, excluding public employees or certain independents.
Medical certification is key: a licensed physician must verify your inability to perform regular duties due to a qualifying condition, with treatment ongoing. Policies enforce a short elimination period, like 7 days for illness or none for maternity, before benefits begin. Coverage lasts up to 26 weeks, paying 50-66% of average weekly wages, capped by state limits. Employers fund it via payroll deductions, but individuals can explore supplemental private policies for higher benefits or faster claims.
Short-term disability insurance in Puerto Rico also covers pregnancy comprehensively, treating it as a temporary disability with benefits starting early. JLA Financial Planning assesses your specific job risks, family needs, and income to confirm eligibility and recommend enhancements. We review employment details, pay stubs, and health history to avoid denials, ensuring seamless qualification.
Private carriers may add flexibility, like reduced underwriting for group plans through your employer. Key exclusions include pre-existing conditions unless disclosed, self-inflicted injuries, or work-related incidents handled by workers’ compensation. To apply, notify your employer promptly, submit forms with medical proof, and track via the Department of Labor portal.
At JLA, we emphasize layering this with personal savings and long-term options for full protection. Our personalized counseling identifies gaps, such as insufficient benefit amounts relative to living costs in Puerto Rico. Regular reviews during financial planning sessions keep coverage aligned with life changes like job switches or family growth.
Business owners benefit too, as we help structure group plans compliant with local mandates while optimizing tax advantages. Understanding these requirements prevents lapses that could strain budgets during vulnerabilities. Contact JLA Financial Planning for a tailored eligibility check, integrating disability coverage into your holistic plan for lasting security.
Maximizing benefits from long-term disability insurance in Puerto Rico involves careful planning and strategy. At JLA Financial Planning, we emphasize that disability insurance in Puerto Rico should be considered an essential part of your overall financial plan, designed to protect your income in the event of illness or injury. However, to ensure that the coverage truly meets your needs, there are several steps you can take to optimize the benefits of your long-term disability policy.
The first step is to fully understand the terms of your disability insurance policy. It’s crucial to know the waiting periods, benefit amounts, and the duration for which the benefits will be paid. Some policies may have a long elimination period before benefits kick in, which could leave you without income for a significant period. At JLA, we help clients evaluate whether their emergency savings or other income sources can bridge the gap during this waiting period. Additionally, knowing how much of your income will be replaced by the policy can help you plan for any potential shortfalls and determine if you need to supplement your disability coverage with other insurance or savings.
Another strategy is ensuring that your coverage amount reflects your current income. Most long-term disability insurance policies replace around 60%-70% of your pre-disability income, but this can vary. If your policy doesn’t cover enough of your income, you might consider supplementing it with additional private disability insurance. This extra coverage can help make up the difference, particularly if you have higher living expenses or significant financial goals, such as supporting a family or maintaining a business. For residents of Puerto Rico, disability insurance in Puerto Rico may have different terms and provider options compared to U.S. mainland policies, so it’s important to review available plans and ensure that you’re getting the appropriate level of coverage.
Reviewing additional riders or options in your policy can also enhance your benefits. Many disability insurance policies offer optional add-ons, such as cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), which increase the benefit amount to keep pace with inflation. This is an important feature to consider, especially if your disability extends for many years. Riders like this can help ensure that the benefits keep up with rising costs, maintaining the value of your income replacement. At JLA, we regularly work with clients to analyze these additional features and determine whether they should be included in their policy to maximize protection.
Lastly, keeping your policy up to date is essential. As your career and lifestyle change, so do your income and potential risks. Regularly reviewing your policy with a financial planner ensures that your coverage evolves with your needs, ensuring that any increase in salary, changes in work duties, or life events like marriage or the birth of children are reflected in your disability insurance. It also gives you an opportunity to check for any gaps in coverage or improvements you can make to better secure your financial future.
Simply put, maximizing the benefits of long-term disability insurance in Puerto Rico requires a proactive approach. Understanding your policy, ensuring adequate coverage, considering additional options, and keeping your plan updated are all key steps. With careful planning, you can ensure that your disability insurance provides reliable income protection when you need it most, while also supporting your broader financial strategy.
At JLA Financial Planning, we help clients navigate Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) as a cornerstone of income protection within comprehensive financial strategies. SSDI provides benefits to individuals unable to work due to severe, long-lasting disabilities, ensuring continuity alongside personal insurance like disability insurance in Puerto Rico. Qualifying requires a work and contribution history, distinguishing it from needs-based programs.
To qualify, you must have sufficient «work credits» earned through FICA payroll taxes—typically 40 credits total, with 20 in the last 10 years before disability onset. Younger workers need fewer: under 24, just 6 credits in 3 years; ages 24-31, half their adult work years. Your condition must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) strict definition: expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, preventing substantial gainful activity (SGA)—around $1,500 monthly earnings in 2026 for non-blind individuals. Medical evidence proves severity via tests, records, and physician statements, covering physical or mental impairments listed in SSA’s Blue Book or equivalent.
From JLA’s perspective, we first assess your earnings record through SSA statements during financial planning sessions. Employment in Puerto Rico counts fully toward credits since it’s under U.S. jurisdiction, but we verify gaps from self-employment or informal jobs. Dependents like spouses or children may qualify for auxiliary benefits if you’ve earned enough credits.
The approval process unfolds in stages, starting with a local SSA office application—online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person. Submit medical history, work background, and daily activity reports. Initial review by Disability Determination Services (DDS) takes 3-6 months, evaluating evidence against listings; 65-70% face denial here due to insufficient proof.
If denied, request reconsideration within 60 days—another DDS review, often with new evidence like updated doctor notes. JLA advises clients to strengthen applications with detailed functional reports showing limitations, such as inability to lift, concentrate, or stand. Next, an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing, scheduled 12-18 months later, allows testimony, expert witnesses, and cross-examination—approval rates climb to 45% with representation.
Further appeals go to the Appeals Council or federal court. At JLA, we integrate SSDI into risk management, coordinating with private disability policies for seamless coverage. We review your SSA account, project benefits (50-70% of prior earnings), and plan offsets to avoid reductions. Business owners and professionals benefit from our tailored approach, linking SSDI to retirement, tax strategies, and estate planning.
Contact JLA Financial Planning for a free consultation—we guide paperwork, appeals, and holistic protection, ensuring no income gaps disrupt your financial goals.
Combining short-term and long-term disability insurance can be an effective strategy for individuals who want comprehensive protection against income loss due to illness or injury. At JLA Financial Planning, we often advise clients to consider both types of coverage as part of a holistic income protection plan. The right combination depends on factors such as your income needs, risk tolerance, and the potential duration of any disability.
Short-term disability insurance typically covers you for a brief period, often ranging from a few weeks to a year, depending on the policy. It’s designed to replace a portion of your income during the initial recovery phase after an illness or injury. However, the coverage duration is limited, and after this period ends, there may be a gap before long-term disability insurance kicks in. This is where combining both policies becomes crucial—short-term coverage ensures that you don’t experience a financial gap during the waiting period before long-term coverage begins, offering seamless income protection throughout your recovery.
Long-term disability insurance, on the other hand, covers you if you are unable to work for an extended period, often until retirement age. It provides a larger, sustained income replacement but typically has a long waiting period, usually several months, before benefits begin. Without short-term disability insurance, you would be left without income during that waiting period, potentially causing significant financial strain. By combining both policies, you create a continuous coverage window, ensuring you’re never left without income during a disability.
For individuals who rely heavily on their income—such as families, business owners, or those with high fixed expenses—combining both short-term and long-term disability insurance offers peace of mind. It provides a well-rounded safety net, addressing both short-term and long-term financial needs. At JLA Financial Planning, we evaluate each client’s situation to determine if this combination makes sense based on their health, occupation, and existing savings. By considering short-term and long-term disability insurance together, we can help clients create a strategy that fills income gaps, reduces risk, and supports overall financial security.
Tax implications play a significant role in how short-term and long-term disability insurance claims are treated. Understanding these differences is essential for making informed decisions about coverage and for managing your finances effectively during a period of disability. At JLA Financial Planning, we help clients navigate the complexities of disability insurance, especially when it comes to how tax treatment affects benefits.
The key difference between short-term and long-term disability insurance lies in how the premiums are paid and whether the benefits are taxable. Typically, the taxability of benefits depends on who pays the premiums—you or your employer. If your employer pays the premiums for both short-term and long-term disability insurance, the benefits you receive are generally considered taxable income. This is because the premiums were paid with pre-tax dollars, reducing your taxable income at the time of contribution. In this case, when you begin receiving disability benefits, you’ll be required to pay federal and local taxes on the income, which can reduce the net amount of your benefit.
On the other hand, if you pay the premiums for your disability insurance with after-tax dollars, the benefits you receive are generally not taxable. This is because you’ve already paid taxes on the premiums, so the IRS doesn’t tax you again when you receive disability payments. Whether you’re receiving short-term or long-term benefits, this can result in more take-home pay compared to a situation where the premiums are paid by your employer.
In the case of short-term disability insurance, which typically covers you for a shorter duration (a few weeks to a year), if the premiums are paid by your employer, the benefits will be taxed as ordinary income. However, if you’ve paid for the insurance yourself using after-tax dollars, the benefits will be tax-free, giving you a higher income during your recovery period. Since short-term disability benefits are usually lower than long-term benefits (often replacing only 60%-70% of your income), tax-free benefits can make a noticeable difference in the amount you have to live on.
For long-term disability insurance, the same tax rules apply. If your employer pays the premiums, long-term disability benefits are taxed, which means you could lose a significant portion of your monthly benefit to taxes. If you’ve paid the premiums yourself with after-tax dollars, however, the benefits you receive are tax-free, which can make a substantial impact on your financial situation if the disability extends for many years.
An important consideration is how these tax implications affect your overall financial plan. For example, if you rely on disability insurance as a primary income source during a disability, having taxable benefits can alter your tax bracket, potentially affecting your other sources of income or tax liabilities. Proper tax planning becomes crucial when coordinating disability insurance benefits with retirement planning and other income sources. At JLA, we help clients ensure their income replacement strategies are tax-efficient and complement their overall financial goals.
In summary, the tax treatment of short-term versus long-term disability insurance claims depends largely on who pays the premiums and whether they are paid with pre-tax or after-tax dollars. At JLA Financial Planning, we work with clients to evaluate how these tax implications affect their income replacement strategies, ensuring they maintain financial stability during a disability and avoid unexpected tax burdens.
