New York State Disability Insurance Benefits

New York State Disability Insurance benefits come in the form of a mandated short term disability plan administered by the NY Workers Compensation Board.  New York is one of only five states with mandated coverage. Read below and click the links to learn more about:

• NY State Short Term Disability - Who is covered
• New York State Disability Benefits - How the plan works
• NY State Disability Pregnancy: Key features and how to increase maternity leave income
• New York State Disability Form - How to file a claim for benefits

NY State Disability Insurance covers your pregnancy and maternity leave. NY state disability benefits span 12 weeks for a normal pregnancy: 6 weeks prior to delivery, and 6 weeks after delivery.

NY State Disability benefits may last longer if your doctor provides appropriate medical reports. "If a claimant becomes disabled more than four to six weeks prior to the anticipated birth date, or is disabled more than four to six weeks after the actual birth date, more detailed information regarding the disability may be required."

Can your pay your bills for 12 weeks on $170 per week? That represents 17% income replacement for a woman earning $52,000 per year.

You can increase your income replacement level to 66% or $5,000 per month by purchasing supplemental short term disability for pregnancy prior to conception. Many pregnancies are planned. Why not purchase coverage that covers a planned event: your normal labor and delivery. At no additional cost, you will also be covered for pregnancy complications, postpartum disorders, accidents, and illnesses.

NY State Short Term Disability Insurance covers people who work in the state for private employers.  Workers who commute from New Jersey or Connecticut are covered under the plan even though they do not reside in New York.

Many employee classes and organizations are exempt from the statutory requirement. Keep in mind that your employer may elect to partipate on a voluntary basis. Check with your employer to verify coverage. Some of these exceptions include:

• Employer Type
  • Government (Federal, State, & Local)
  • Railroad
  • Maritime
  • Religious organizations
  • Public & private schools
• Employee Classes
  • Independent contractors
  • Domestic workers
  • Farm laborers
  • Sole proprietors
  • Business partners

If you do not have coverage or feel the amount of coverage is not adequate to support your expenses consider purchasing supplemental short term disability insurance.

New York State Disability Benefits replace 50% of your income, up to $170 per week in 2011. Benefits are payable for up to 26 weeks. There is a 7-day waiting period for which no benefits are paid.

NY State Disability Benefit rights begin on the eighth consecutive day of disability. Your doctor will need to provide evidence of a medical reason why your are unable to work.

Is $170 per week enough income replacement if you work in New York?  Probably not.  Consider purchasing supplemental disability insurance for a greater level of income replacement.  

New York state disability forms, answers to common questions, benefit descriptions, and instructions for filing a claim can be found on the NY Workers Compensation Board website.  

If you have specific questions about your claim, you can contact the New York State Customer Service Information Center at: (800) 353 - 3092.