Get Db135 2003-2024

Disability benefits are temporary cash benefits paid to an eligible employee, when they are disabled by an off-the-job injury or illness. Disability benefits are equal to 50 percent of the employee's average weekly wage for the last eight weeks worked, with a maximum benefit of $170 per week (WCL §204).

New York State law requires that every covered employer provides insurance to cover short-term disability benefits for their employees. Under the Workers' Compensation Board, the New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF) provides insurance to a vast majority of employers in New York State.

As long as you are covered at the time of your disability and you qualify for benefits, short term disability coverage will typically replace 60% to 80% of your income. This coverage can be an effective way to protect yourself from the financial impact of a temporary loss of income due to a disability.

After a seven-calendar-day waiting period or the exhaustion of your sick leave accruals (whichever is greater), you receive 50 percent of your average salary for the eight weeks before disability, up to the maximum benefit established under the New York State Disability Benefits Law, currently $170 per week.

New York's Short Term Disability Benefits Although employees are paid for disability leave, it is important to note that disability leave is not a protected leave under New York Law. Employees are only able to take protected leave if they qualify under the Family Medical Leave Act.