We've all faked a sick day or two in order to get some extra sleep and recuperate after a night of celebration, to get some last minute shopping done, or to pamper ourselves at a local spa. Go ahead, admit it. The boss isn't watching. And while these little discrepancies aren't exactly worthy of major guilt or fear of job termination ? everyone needs a break now and then, right? ? they could cost you some money in the long run. But, sometimes that night out with your old college roommate you haven't seen in a few years is worth it.

All secrets aside, there are times when you actually need to take a few days, weeks, or even months off from work. These are the times when you are actually sick, or even injured, to the degree that you can't make it to work, or be very productive even if you could. To protect yourself against these times, you should consider purchasing disability insurance.

Many employees have family concerns, i.e., bills to pay and mouths to feed. Without a substantial supplemental income during the time they're off work, it can be quite difficult to meet these family concerns.

Sure, there are programs such as workers' compensation and Social Security that can lend a financial hand when you find yourself too sick, injured, or disabled to work for a certain amount of time. And some employers even offer disability insurance for a low cost, or no cost, to their employees. However, each of these kinds of programs are usually very limited in the financial assistance they dole out, and recipients of the financial assistance must meet certain qualifications before they are considered unable to work for a period of time.

Don't rely solely on your employer or government programs to help you and your family in your time of need. Put your family concerns to rest by purchasing a disability insurance policy.