BBS1951 is correct. Pre-diagnosis is time to get life insurance and Long term Disability. After diagnosis is TOOOOO late. SSDI is not much if you're used to more. I was DXed within 5 years of my last job, My SSDI a nice addition to DH's income, but Iwould find it hard to live on just it. My diagnosis made us think hard how bad things just happen in this world, it costs and life is very costly, we got STD and Life Insurance ASAP for DH as he is the real wage earner in our house and we have 2 kids about to start college In 5 years when we can cancel LTM, that extra money monthly will be nice, as it is "found" (not used to having it), should save it if we don't keep policy. DX can be a long process. Best of luck.