Individual age 45 makes 5 annual payments of $10,000 to  a defined contribution plan but is totally disabled at age 50. 
Assumes annual investment return of 8% compounded.
$494,229
$200,986
Gap: $293,243
Example…Disability at age 50
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But what happens if disability strikes? The impact can be dramatic.  Assume that this same 45 year old makes  five annual payments of $10,000 to his plan, but at age 50 becomes totally disabled.

Assuming that the disability is permanent and no more contributions can be made, a huge gap appears at age 65. Instead of $494,229, the retirement fund would have grown to only $200,986.  That’s a gap of over $293,000 - a serious one indeed.