Short & long-term disability

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Financial help if your employees are unable to work

If your employees suffer an accident or an illness that prevents them from working, the last thing they need to be worrying about at the same time is their finances. 

By introducing a disability insurance policy as part of your wider employee benefits plan, you can give your employees a financial safety net that allows them to focus on what really matters: their recovery.

pension

Statutory benefits

In the event of illness or an accident in private life, an employee receives a “guaranteed salary” from his employer during a certain period. For white collars, this is fixed at 30 days, while blue collars receive a guaranteed income during 14 days.

Thereafter, the employee receives a disability benefit from the social security. This benefit amounts to 60% of the gross annual salary, which is capped at 54.918,36 € (2024), during the first year.

As from the second year, the employee continues to receive benefits from social security according to their family situation:

65% capped for employee with at least one dependent person (loss of income)
55% for a single employee without dependent children
40% for a cohabiting employee

At 37%, ‘burnout’ is one of the leading causes of disability.

Complimentary benefits

Waiver of Premium

An additional coverage that is not foreseen by the social security system is waiver of premium.

In case of long-term absence, this benefit will make sure that the employee continues to be insured for pension accrual and the life benefit.

The employer is not obligated to pay the pension and life premiums during a long term disability.

The waiver of premium benefit resolves this issue by covering the pension and life premiums following a waiting period (usually one month).

The insurer takes over the premium payments till the end of the disability period or retirement age.

Disability Benefit

Companies can provide a replacement income cover in the event of short- or long-term disability, regardless if it’s total or partial. It can also insure occupational accidents. These plans cover illness and accidents outside of the workplace.

In case the disability benefit is offered by the employer, the employee will receive an additional monthly disability pension; paid by the insurer.

The disability benefit has multiple advantages:

  • Employees with a salary above the Social Security Ceiling of € 54.918,35 (2024), are more protected against income loss.
  • Psychosocial disorders and time credit are often covered for a limited duration.
  • A variety of reintegration models are made available by the insurers after a certain period of absence.
  • Generally takes into account the 13th month and holiday pay when calculating the annual salary

Why Howden?

Howden Belgium is a valued part of the wider Howden Broking Group, the largest independent insurance broker based outside the US. We can call on the skills and expertise of more than 15,000+ employees working across more than 50 countries.

We combine global reach and resource with expert local knowledge, giving you the best of both worlds.

Why use a broker?

As specialist employee benefit insurance brokers, we can help you:

  • Find the scheme provider that best suits your requirements as a business
  • Negotiate the best possible terms, to ensure your scheme is as cost-effective as possible
  • Ensure that your scheme meets all local regulatory and legal requirements

And, of course, we’ll be there to offer guidance right the way through the implementation process.
 
We’re here to take the work and effort of implementing a market-leading pension scheme off your shoulders. 

Why Howden?

Howden Belgium are also a part of the wider Howden Broking Group, which means we can call on the resources, market access and experience of more than 15,000 insurance specialists working in more than 50 countries around the world.

Whether you’re local or global, we have the resources and market access to get you the coverage you need at a rate that’s highly competitive.

Meet the team

Photo of Annemieke Schepers

Annemieke Schepers

Executive Director, Employee Benefits
Photo of Jessica Prevot

Jessica Prevot

Account Manager, Employee Benefits
Photo of Wendy Van Asbroeck

Wendy Van Asbroeck

Account Manager, Employee Benefits
Photo of Astrid de Voghel

Astrid de Voghel

Senior Client Advisor, Employee Benefits
Photo of Arno Matthys

Arno Matthys

Client Advisor, Employee Benefits