About Disability Benefits

New York State disability benefits insurance provides temporary cash benefits paid to an eligible wage earner when he/she is disabled by an OFF THE JOB illness or injury, and for disabilities arising from pregnancies. Employers with one or more employees are subject to the provisions of the New York State Disability Benefits Law.

The Disability Benefits Law provides weekly cash benefits to replace, in part, wages lost due to illness or injury that do not arise out of or in the course of employment. Disability benefits include cash payments only. Medical care is the responsibility of the claimant. Medical care is not paid for by the employer or insurance carrier.

Covered employers are required to provide for payment of disability benefits to all eligible employees. Employers may comply by purchasing an insurance policy or by applying to the chair of the NYS Workers’ Compensation Board for approval as a self-insurer. Receive a quotation for disability benefits insurance from NYSIF.

For additional employer information,go to the NYS Workers’ Compensation Board website www.wcb.state.ny.us and view DB-102 – "Information for Employer Regarding Disability Benefits Law" and OC-923 – "Important Information for New York State Employers".

Direct questions regarding employer compliance with the Disability Benefits Law to the Disability Benefits Coverage Section at the following address:

NYS Workers’ Compensation Board
Disability Benefits Bureau
100 Broadway – Menands
Albany, NY 12241-0005

Or, you may contact the NYS Workers’ Compensation Board toll free at 1-800-353-3092.

Failure to comply with workers’ compensation or disability benefits laws constitutes a misdemeanor punishable by a fine or imprisonment, or both. Additionally, the NYS Workers’ Compensation Board may impose penalties in an amount fixed by law against employers who fail to comply with the law.

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