New York is one of the few states in the United States that requires employers to provide disability insurance to employees. Disability insurance in New York covers illnesses and injuries when employees are not at work but prevents them from returning to work. However, it’s essential to ensure you qualify for disability insurance. There are quite a few employees that don’t meet the criteria.
Unemployment Requirements
New York disability insurance is available to those that are unemployed. It provides a weekly cash benefit to unemployed workers who cannot return to work. To qualify for this, you have to receive unemployment compensation first. Then, if an accident or injury prevents you from returning to work and you lose your unemployment insurance, you may qualify for disability insurance.
How Long Have You Been At Your Job?
How long you work for an employer significantly impacts whether you qualify for disability insurance. Employees that work less than 20 hours weekly, considered part-time, are only eligible after working for 175 consecutive days. Employees that work more than 20 hours per week are eligible after they have worked for 26 consecutive weeks. If you have only worked for a few weeks, there’s a good chance you are not eligible for disability insurance in New York.
Did You Acquire Disability Insurance?
Although most employers must provide employees with disability insurance, it’s up to you to purchase the insurance coverage, just like you would obtain medical insurance. If you are self-employed, you must obtain disability insurance coverage. If you have not obtained disability insurance, it’ll be too late if you are already off work.
Getting Disability Insurance
Most employers work with a disability insurance agency in NYC to provide their employees with coverage. Then, employers make the benefit available to employees. However, employees that want to obtain their own disability insurance often can by working with an agency of their choice. This is what many small business owners and self-employed individuals do. If you already have life insurance in Bronx, NY, you can speak with your insurance provider to determine if they also offer disability insurance. Some medical insurance companies also offer disability insurance. Contact your providers to determine the coverage available to you.
How Much Does Disability Insurance Pay?
New York disability insurance usually caps out at $170 weekly as of 2023. That means that is the most you’ll receive. To determine disability benefits, providers will look at the total income for the last eight weeks worked, and then you get 50% of that amount.
Learning the ins and outs of disability insurance in New York can be challenging. We have customer service agents who will be happy to answer all your questions and help you obtain the coverage you need. Contact us today for more information!