Half the nation's jobs are performed by female workers, but new research shows women fall behind men on their use and understanding of benefits that can protect their income.

According to a new survey by The Hartford Financial Services Group, men have higher participation rates for income protection benefits, such as life and disability insurance, while women have higher participation in health benefits, including medical and dental coverage.

Sixty-four percent of women wage earners said they "completely or mostly" understand life insurance compared with 79 percent of men. And 61 percent of women workers said they have life insurance through their employer, compared to 68 percent of men.

Considering men have claimed higher job losses in the past year, there needs to be an increased focus on women's wages, says Laura Marzi, assistant vice president of marketing in The Hartford's Group Benefits Division.

"We are concerned about the number of women who still lag behind men in protecting their wages," Marzi said in a released statement. "We're encouraging all workers, particularly working women, to take steps to protect their physical and financial health."

Now that women are the primary decision maker in their household (68 percent), they turn to their family for advice when considering life insurance, according to the survey. Spouses and immediate family members were the top influencer (62 percent) among female survey participants.

One in three women (32 percent) said it is extremely important to discuss end-of-life issues, such as life insurance, with family members, according to The Hartford's survey. Yet, the survey data indicated men are more comfortable than women discussing these issues. And only 28 percent of women reported having a will, compared to 42 percent of men.

Families have an opportunity to help their loved ones understand life insurance, noted Marzi. "Americans can help protect their loved ones by asking if they have life insurance. Life insurance cannot replace the loss of a loved one and their contributions to family finances, but it can help keep dreams alive."

September happens to be Life Insurance Awareness Month, and The Hartford offers several conversation starters on the topic at its Web site.

Instant Insights /

Hartford survey finds women lag on life insurance knowledge, use

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