We all expect to miss the occasional day or two of work because of illness or injury. But sometimes health issues can lead to extended leaves of absence and even lost income. For some people, a disability would seriously deplete their savings. Group long term disability insurance allows employees to continue to receive a percentage of their salary while they are out after the first 26 weeks (when short term disability ends). Long term disability will continue as long as the doctor states that you are not willing to work. These benefits are typically voluntary with no cost to employers, but offer the convenience of their premium being payroll deducted.