Disability Insurance for Self Employed Arlington TX

Call (469) 905-4422 for a free Disability Insurance quote! Let Sentry Income Protection safeguard your future.



Looking to protect your income as a self-employed professional? Disability insurance can be a lifeline, but understanding your options is key. We’ll break it down clearly. As a trusted independent disability insurance agency, Sentry Income Protection is here to help. Call us at 469-905-4422 we’re happy to chat!

Protecting Your Income When You Work for Yourself

If you work for yourself in Arlington, Texas, whether you are a consultant, contractor, small business owner, or freelancer, your ability to earn an income depends entirely on your health and capacity to work. Unlike employees who may receive benefits through an employer, self-employed professionals must take responsibility for securing their own financial protection. One of the most effective ways to do that is through disability insurance. This coverage replaces a portion of your income if illness or injury prevents you from working. It helps you stay financially stable so you can focus on recovery instead of worrying about bills or business expenses. For self-employed professionals across neighborhoods like Viridian, Downtown Arlington, and Fielder Park, this kind of safety net can make the difference between temporary hardship and lasting financial trouble.

Why Disability Insurance Matters for the Self-Employed

Many people assume disability insurance only protects against major accidents, but most disabilities actually result from illness. Conditions such as cancer, back injuries, and depression can prevent someone from working just as easily as a broken leg or car accident. Statistics show that roughly 90 percent of disabilities are caused by illness, and one in four Americans will experience a disabling condition before retirement age. For self-employed professionals in Arlington where small businesses, contractors, and independent service providers make up a large portion of the local economy, these numbers highlight just how essential disability insurance really is.

Income Protection You Can Rely On

The primary reason to have disability insurance when you are self-employed is to protect your income. If an injury or illness keeps you from working, your earnings stop, but your expenses continue. Disability insurance replaces a percentage of your income, usually between 40 and 70 percent, to help cover essential costs such as mortgage payments, groceries, utilities, and business overhead. Without coverage, many self-employed individuals are forced to dip into savings, sell assets, or take on debt to stay afloat.



In addition to protecting your personal finances, disability insurance can also safeguard your business. If you have employees, an office lease, or other fixed expenses, your inability to work could impact your entire operation. Some policies offer a Business Overhead Expense Rider, which helps pay for rent, utilities, and staff salaries while you recover. That benefit can be a lifeline for Arlington entrepreneurs who run small firms near Lake Arlington or operate professional services in the Downtown business district.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Disability Coverage

Disability insurance generally falls into two categories: short-term and long-term. Short-term disability insurance provides benefits for temporary conditions, usually lasting between 13 and 26 weeks. It typically replaces 40 to 70 percent of your income and begins paying after a short waiting period. Long-term disability insurance, on the other hand, is designed to protect against extended illnesses or injuries. Benefits often last for 5, 10, or 20 years, or until retirement age, and typically replace 40 to 60 percent of your income.



For most self-employed professionals, long-term disability insurance is the better investment. Short-term coverage can bridge small gaps, but it will not protect you if a serious illness or injury prevents you from working for several months or longer.

Key Features to Look for in a Disability Policy

When choosing a disability insurance policy, pay close attention to how the coverage defines disability and what options are available to customize your protection.

One of the most important features is true own occupation disability insurance coverage. This definition means you’re considered disabled if you cannot perform the specific duties of your occupation, even if you could technically work in another job. For example, if a dentist in Arlington develops a hand injury and can no longer perform dental work, they could still collect benefits even if they start teaching at a dental school.

Another valuable feature is residual or partial disability benefits. These benefits apply if you can return to work part-time but not at full capacity. They help fill the income gap while you rebuild your business.

Policies also include benefit periods (how long benefits are paid) and elimination periods (how long you must wait before benefits begin). Choosing a longer elimination period can reduce premiums but requires enough savings to cover that waiting time.

You can further strengthen your coverage with optional riders, such as a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to offset inflation, a Future Increase Option (FIO) that lets you raise coverage as your income grows, or a Catastrophic Disability Rider for severe conditions. The Business Overhead Expense Rider mentioned earlier is especially useful for self-employed professionals who need to keep operations running while recovering.

Understanding the Cost of Disability Insurance

The cost of disability insurance for self employed professionals in Arlington generally ranges from 1 to 3 percent of annual income. Several factors affect premiums, including age, health, and occupation. Younger and healthier applicants typically pay less, which is why applying early can lock in more affordable rates. People in physically demanding jobs, such as contractors or landscapers, may pay higher premiums than professionals who primarily work at a desk. Coverage amount, benefit length, and optional riders also influence price.

Getting coverage early in your career not only saves money but ensures you’re covered before any medical conditions arise that could affect your eligibility.

How Much Coverage Do You Really Need?

To determine the right amount of coverage, review your essential monthly expenses, including housing, utilities, groceries, childcare, transportation, and insurance premiums. Add any business costs like rent, office supplies, or employee wages. Then consider how long you could manage without income and how long you want benefits to last.

If you have savings that could cover three months of expenses, you might choose a 90 day elimination period to lower your premium. The key is balancing affordability with adequate protection so you can maintain your lifestyle and keep your business stable during recovery.

How to Find the Right Policy

Finding the best disability policy starts with assessing your financial needs and comparing quotes from multiple providers. Working with an experienced insurance broker who understands the Texas market can help you identify plans suited to your profession and income level. Look for policies that include own-occupation coverage, partial disability benefits, and riders that support both your business and personal financial goals.



After you select a plan, you’ll complete the application and underwriting process. This usually involves a medical review and income verification, but it ensures your coverage is tailored to your situation and priced fairly.

Additional Benefits and Riders Worth Considering

Many insurers offer extra benefits that can make recovery easier. A waiver of premium allows you to stop paying premiums while you’re disabled and sometimes continues for several months after you recover. A student loan protection rider can help younger professionals, such as lawyers or doctors, make their loan payments during a disability. A retirement protection rider ensures your long-term savings remain on track by replacing the contributions you would have made while disabled. Some policies even include occupational rehabilitation benefits to help with retraining or workplace modifications.

Arlington’s local economy thrives on independence. From small shops near Lake Arlington to contractors working on new developments around Interstate 20, countless residents rely on self-employment for their livelihood. Yet life can change quickly. An illness or injury could interrupt that income overnight, making disability insurance a crucial piece of a solid financial plan.



Having the right coverage ensures that even if you can’t work for a period of time, you can continue paying bills, supporting your family, and keeping your business intact. It’s about financial confidence and maintaining stability, even during life’s unexpected challenges.

Securing Your Financial Future

Your ability to earn an income is your greatest asset. Disability insurance helps protect it. For self-employed professionals in Arlington, TX, this type of coverage provides not only financial security but also the peace of mind to focus on what truly matters, your health, your family, and your long-term goals.

Whether you are just starting your business or running a well established practice, now is the time to secure a policy that fits your life and your work. Disability insurance for self-employed professionals in Arlington is more than a safety net; it’s an essential part of your financial independence and your future stability.

Call 469-905-4422 for a Free Disability Insurance Quote! We represent all the top carriers and can provide an unbiased evaluation that meets your individual needs.