What Disability Insurance Does Spirit Employees Lost
Spirit Airlines provided both short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) coverage as part of its benefits package. Both ended when Spirit ceased operations. Now, without employer-provided disability coverage, a serious illness or injury while you're between jobs — or at a new employer before benefits kick in — could leave you with zero income.
Why Disability Coverage Matters Right Now
Consider this scenario: You're a former Spirit gate agent looking for a new job. You're three weeks into your job search when you're in a car accident and can't work for 6 months. Without disability insurance:
- No income for 6 months
- Social Security Disability requires 5+ months to begin and is very hard to qualify for
- Workers' comp only applies if the injury happened on the job
- Your savings take a devastating hit
Types of Disability Coverage for Former Spirit Employees
| Type | Coverage Period | Monthly Cost | When to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-term individual disability | 3–6 months | $30–$80/mo | Gap between Spirit and new job |
| Long-term individual disability | 2 yrs to age 65 | $80–$250/mo | When at new employer without LTD |
| New employer's group LTD | Varies | Often free or $10–$30/mo | Enroll when new job starts |
Tip for Spirit employees starting at new airlines: Most major airlines offer LTD coverage as part of their benefits package. But there may be a waiting period — and the coverage may only be 60% of base salary. Supplemental individual disability coverage fills the gap for overtime, per diem, and the benefit waiting period.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you're currently between jobs, you have no employer-provided disability coverage. An individual disability policy protects your income if you're injured or ill and can't work during your job search. Even after starting a new job, many airline employees choose to supplement group LTD with individual coverage.
Individual short-term disability starts at $30–$80/month. Long-term disability coverage (own-occupation, to age 65) typically costs 1–3% of annual income. A former Spirit flight attendant earning $55,000/year might pay $80–$150/month for solid long-term coverage.
Own-occupation long-term disability coverage is the gold standard for airline workers. Carriers like Guardian, Principal, and MassMutual offer individual policies that pay if you can't perform your specific airline role — even if you could work in another field.
Individual disability insurance typically requires active employment and documented income to issue. Most carriers require you to be working and earning income. If you're between jobs, some carriers will allow coverage based on your most recent income. A broker can identify which carriers work best for your current employment situation.