1,475,003. That’s the number Americans who’ve experienced a disabling injury or illness so far this year—that’s just Jan. 1 to April 30. That is a staggering number.

Imagine if that number included you, and you weren’t able to able to go back to work tomorrow to earn your paycheck. What would happen? Would you still be able to pay your bills? If so, for how long? If not, what’s your plan?

If you’re worried about this, you’re not alone. Results from the 2013 Insurance Barometer Study, conducted by LIFE and LIMRA, show that six in 10 people are concerned about being able to support themselves financially if they were unable to work. Incredibly, Only 50 percent of working Americans say they personally need disability insurance.

The truth is: If you work and rely on your paycheck, you should have a backup plan. That plan is disability insurance. It provides you an income if you’re unable to work due to an accident or illness. Nothing else does that. Health insurance may cover your doctor or hospital bills, but who pays your mortgage, rent, food and bills? If you tap into your savings or retirement money to meet those bills, how does that money get replenished?

Disability insurance gives you an income until you can return to work. Feel free to use to this easy Disability Insurance Needs Calculator to find out how much coverage you may need. Then talk to your HR department at work or an agent in your community who can help you better understand the importance of disability insurance in your financial plan. May is Disability Insurance Awareness Month—the perfect time to do it.