Disability Insurance

New York is one of just a few states that require employers to provide disability coverage to an employee for an off-the-job injury or illness. Disability benefits are temporary cash benefits paid to replace, in part, wages lost due to injuries or illnesses that did not arise out of or in the course of employment. Costs of medical care are the responsibility of the employee – not the employer or insurance carrier.

Benefits are paid for a maximum of 26 weeks of disability in a 52-week period. An employer is allowed to collect contributions from its employees to offset the cost of providing disability benefits. Individuals may also purchase disability insurance policies through private insurers to supplement their income in the event of an illness or accident.

• The New York State Workers Compensation Board (WCB) offers information on Disability Benefits on its website. The WCB also provides forms for filing a disability claim.
• The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the federal government's two largest programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities. Individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits under either program. You can use this benefits eligibility screening tool to see if you may qualify for benefits.
  • Social Security Disability Insurance pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are covered by the program, which means that you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes in order to be eligible.
  • Supplemental Security Income pays benefits based on financial need.

   

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