In 2005, and for the fifth consecutive year, cancer was the leading cause of long-term absence from work for Unum customers. Of the long term disability claims filed, 12 percent were for cancer and nearly a quarter of those cancer claims were for breast cancer. Here are the top five causes of disability claims filed by Unum customers
[7]:
Long Term
12% — Cancer
10% — Complications of pregnancy
10% — Joint/muscle/connective tissue diseases
8% — Back injuries
8% — Cardiovascular disease
Short Term
18% Normal pregnancy
10% Injuries (not including back)
8% Digestive/intestinal diseases
8% Pregnancy (complications)
7% Reproductive/urinary system diseases
Some of the answers may surprise you. The U.S. government tracks emergency room treatment for injuries associated with consumer products, including everything from fireworks to fence posts. Here are some of the more unusual findings:
Associated Product
- Sofas, couches or divans
- Miscellaneous decorating items
- Footwear
- Not to mention...toilets
Number of Injuries
135,190 people
51,647
114,454
63,969
And, as you might suspect, it pays to watch your step. More than a million people a year are injured on stairs
[8].
Social Security Disability Insurance has stiff eligibility requirements. The government requires that you work a minimum number of years, based on your age at the time of disability. If you qualify, you must go through a lengthy evaluation process, which can take several months, before you can receive your first disability check
[14]. The government only pays a benefit for severe disabilities that are expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. In 2004, only 37 out of 100 initial applications for Social Security Disability were approved
[15].