Disability Insurance: Income Protection for Every Stage of Your Career

Income protection isn’t about age—it’s about continuity.

No matter where you are in your career, your ability to earn an income is one of your most valuable professional assets. Disability insurance helps protect that income if an illness or injury temporarily—or longer term—prevents you from working.

While disability is often associated with rare or extreme events, the reality is more common and more relatable. More than 25% of today’s 20-year-olds will experience a period of disability lasting a year or more before retirement. These situations are often tied to medical treatment, recovery, or chronic conditions—not just accidents.

Your career may evolve. Your income protection can move with you.

Why disability coverage matters

Disability insurance supports architects across a wide range of professional paths:

• Early career, when savings are still being built and momentum matters
• Mid-career, when income supports families, mortgages, and long-term goals
• Later career, when protecting established income and retirement strategies is key

Employer-provided disability coverage—when available—often replaces only a portion of income. Additional coverage can help reduce the need to draw from savings or adjust long-term plans.

Coverage designed to move with your career

Unlike many employer-based policies, AIA Trust–sponsored Group Disability Insurance is portable. Coverage can continue if you change firms, launch your own practice, or become self-employed, provided premiums are paid and you remain actively at work.

Cost and coverage considerations

Premiums are based on factors such as age, health, occupation, benefit amount, waiting period, and benefit duration. Many members will find that coverage can be accessible and cost-effective, particularly when established earlier in one’s career—while remaining relevant at every stage.

If premiums are paid with after-tax dollars, monthly benefits are generally income-tax free under IRS guidance. (Employer-paid benefits are typically taxable; consult your tax advisor.)

Coverage available exclusively to AIA members through the AIA Trust

AIA members are eligible to apply for AIA Trust–sponsored Group Disability Insurance underwritten by New York Life Insurance Company, with benefits of up to $6,000 per month, payable in addition to any employer-provided coverage.

Planning for the unexpected is part of sustaining a long, resilient career.

Explore your options

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https://www.coverageinfo.net/aiatrust/di/5157

Underwritten by New York Life Insurance Company, 51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010 on Group Policy Form GMR.1 Source: Social Security Administration, https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityfacts/facts.html (viewed 9/10/25)2 Source: Insurance Information Institute, https://www.iii.org/article/will-my-employer-provide-disability-coverage, as viewed 9/25/25.3 Source:IRS, https://www.irs.gov/faqs/interest-dividends-other-types-of-income/life-insurance-disability-insurance-proceeds/life-insurance-disability-insurance-proceeds-1, as viewed 10/6/254 This coverage, when added to any current disability coverage you have, may not total to more than 60% of your average pre tax monthly income (see coverage overview).5 Including information on features, costs, eligibility, renewability, limitations and exclusions.