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 who don’t meet the criteria.
Unemployment Requirements
New York disability insurance is available to those who 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.
Eligibility criteria include:
- Prior unemployment compensation: You must first be receiving unemployment benefits.
- Work interruption due to injury or illness: An accident or health condition must prevent you from returning to work.
- Loss of unemployment benefits: If your unemployment insurance ends because of your inability to work, you may qualify for disability insurance.
- Proof of eligibility: Documentation of your unemployment and medical condition may be required to process claims.
- Weekly cash benefit: Offers financial support while you are unable to work due to a qualifying disability.
This coverage provides a safety net for unemployed workers facing unexpected health challenges, helping them manage expenses during difficult times.
How Long Have You Been At Your Job?
How long you work for an employer significantly impacts whether you qualify for disability insurance. Employees who work less than 20 hours weekly, considered part-time, are only eligible after working for 175 consecutive days. Employees who 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 out of work.
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 who 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.
Key points to consider:
- Employer-provided coverage: Many employers offer disability insurance, but verify the extent of your coverage.
- Self-employed protection: If you work for yourself, you must purchase your own disability insurance.
- Timing matters: Acquiring coverage after losing the ability to work is too late.
- Financial security: Disability insurance provides income replacement during periods when you cannot work due to illness or injury.
- Proactive planning: Obtaining coverage in advance safeguards your financial stability and peace of mind.
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?
A weekly benefit equal to 50% of your average weekly wage for the previous eight weeks of work, up to a weekly maximum of $170, is provided by New York State’s Disability Benefits Law (DBL) as of 2025. During a 52-week period, this benefit is offered for a maximum of 26 weeks. It’s important to remember that, in spite of calls for reform and growing living expenses, this sum has not changed since 1989.
For those who are self-employed or whose employers do not provide DBL coverage, it’s crucial to obtain private disability insurance to ensure financial protection in case of illness or injury.
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!
Note: This blog was updated 10/22/2025
