How disability insurance can offer much-needed support to caregivers

Employers should communicate to their employees about the benefits of disability insurance, which can help cover essential living expenses, including unexpected costs associated with caring for their loved ones. (Photo: Shutterstock)

While the pressures of the pandemic have certainly tested all employees’ financial well-being, those who take on the added responsibility of caring for a child or adult at home have been hit particularly hard. Indeed, according to MetLife’s new Employee Benefit Trends Study, 54%of employees who are caregivers are living paycheck to paycheck.

Caregiver well-being is no small issue in today’s workplace. Just consider a recent AARP study estimates that 53 million American adults are currently caregivers for either an adult or child with special needs. These millions of employees must not only cope with the personal well-being struggles brought on by COVID-19 – from job insecurity to stock market volatility, pay cuts and more – but also the challenges of ensuring that they are able to provide for their dependents during this difficult time.