Hello, and congratulations on thinking about starting your
own business – that’s very exciting! 

I just want to review the basics of disability insurance taken through
an employer as we look at your question. Disability insurance is an insurance policy that pays a portion of an
employee’s income in the event of a temporary or permanent disability (such as cancer),
which prevents the employee from working. This is a good option for patients
who may be concerned about maintaining their income during an unpaid leave of
absence. These policies can either be short-term, typically providing benefits
for six months to one year, or long-term, providing benefits for a disability
that is expected to last, or has lasted, for one year or longer. 

It’s important to note that policy features vary greatly.  For that reason, I would first suggest that you
review the terms, limitations, exclusions, and definition of “disability” in
the policy to determine how your freelance work will affect your coverage.  For example, your company policy may
explicitly state that money will be subtracted from your paycheck due to any
freelancing.  Or the policy may say that
working from home is allowable. 

After you have reviewed yourself with the policy language and
discovered if freelance work is allowable, then you can make the further
decisions around if and how you will start your own business. 

I hope this helps get you started, and please don’t hesitate to write back with any
follow-up questions!

Best,

Eva LaManna, Esq. 

Manager of Programs

Please
note that the above information is designed to provide general
information on the topics presented. It is provided with the
understanding that the expert is not engaged in rendering any legal or
professional services in the information provided above. The information
provided should not be used as a substitute for professional services.