1.3 million people have been unable to work for the past two years because of sickness

Every adult in the UK is 5 times more likely to suffer a serious disability than to die before the age of 60

Each year c680,000 people under the age of 65 suffer a heart attack, cancer or stroke - most of them survive

In 1997 3 million people were injured at home

Almost 1 in 5 working age households (3.4 million) have someone who is unemployed.

Over 1 in 3 people aged between 25-34 have experienced unemployment for over a month

90 families a day in 1998 had their home repossessed

Every day 500 people in the UK are made redundant. Of these, 60% of men and 45% of women will be unemployed for 6 months or more

Only 30% of claimants are eligible for Income Support when they are unable to keep up their mortgage repayments due to disability or unemployment

In 1998 alone, the introduction of new incapacity criteria resulted in 102,000 claimants being turned down for State Benefit. An independent doctor will carry out your assessment and you must be capable of doing ANY WORK, not just your normal job to qualify for Benefit

No Income Support payments are made if your partner works more than 16 hours a week

DSS will not cover mortgage capital repayments or insurance costs

No help is given for mortgage interest on the portion of a loan above £100,000

No payment is made if the mortgage is for let property

For mortgages taken out before 2 October 1995, you may be entitled to 50% of interest paid after 8 weeks, rising to 100% of interest after 26 weeks

For mortgages taken after 2 October 1995, you may be entitled to 100% of interest paid only after 40 weeks

Financial hardship caused by disability or unemployment can take years to recover from, restrict future credit lines and cause the cancellation of life policies at a time when they are needed most

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Aged between 18 and 64 years

Permanently resident in UK

In permanent employment or on contract and working at least 16 hours per week

In continuous employment for at least 6 months

There are some exclusions:

Self inflicted injuries, attempted suicide or treatment that is not medically necessary e.g. cosmetic surgery

Disability due to stress, nervous disorder or backache unless a consultant certifies the condition prevents you from working

Disability due to drugs, alcohol abuse or AIDS

Any condition or disease which is known at the commencement date or for which treatment has been received or advice given in the preceding 12 months

Impending or voluntary unemployment or early retirement

Dismissal due to misconduct or breach of contract

Seasonal unemployment or expiry of non-renewable or fixed term contracts

Pregnancy unless a medical complication occurs

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By providing income if you or your partner are unable to work due to accident or sickness (known as a Disability) or Unemployment Cover can be for both Mortgage Repayments and loss of income

Benefit period of up to 24 months

Maximum benefit is £2,500 per month or 75% of gross monthly income, whichever is less

A typical rate is £3.75 per month for each £100 insured. This includes Disability & Unemployment cover. Example: Monthly Mortgage Payment £500 then the premium is 5 x £3.75 = £18.75

In addition you may insure all regular household bills up to a maximum of £1,500 or 75% of gross monthly income whichever is the less. E.g. £900 Monthly Payments - premium is 9 x £3.75 = £33.75

Disability & Unemployment can be covered separately for a reduced premium rate of £2.25 per month for each £100 insured. Example: £1,000 of monthly payments can be covered for Accident & Sickness for 10 x £2.25 = £22.50 p.m.

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