What kind of income does disability insurance aim to replace?

Disability insurance is specifically designed to provide financial support to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. The primary goal of this type of insurance is to replace lost income during a period when the insured person cannot earn wages because of their illness or injury. This replacement income helps cover everyday living expenses, medical bills, and other financial obligations that may arise while the individual is temporarily unable to work.

The other options, while important in the context of financial planning, do not align with the primary purpose of disability insurance. Social security benefits are government-provided financial support, retirement income pertains to funds that individuals rely on after they cease working, and investment income refers to earnings generated from investments. These do not serve the immediate need for income replacement during a disability, which is the fundamental focus of disability insurance.