When you transition to long term disability (LTD) your pay goes to 50%, but that is NOT tax free. You still have to pay all of your normal bills and deductions and pay income tax on that amount.

When you qualify for DPMA, you'll get what their sliding scale says you will get, which is tax free, but for you and me, that's only 22%. 50% with income tax and insurance and other fees taken out, plus 22% tax free, did not make me whole. I nearly filed for bankruptcy, but I also had 3 kids in college that I was paying for, and their cars, and all the rest of it.

My illness happened just as we were finally getting adjusted to our 42% pay cut...then to go on LTD, well, it sucked. You can't just sell your kids when you get ill and take a pay cut, I know, I've tried.

It varies for everyone, obviously, with different taxes, bills, etc. as to who is made whole, but that was a rude awakening for me.

The one bright light was the gal at the DPMA who turned me on to Dr. Faulkner, who was able to get me back to work in only 9mo, vs. the 24mo. that the clowns at ALPA Aero Med said I'd have to wait to come back.