What is Disability Insurance?
Disability is a special section of the New York State Workers’ Compensation Law, protecting workers from non-occupational injury or sickness.
Employers in other states also often want to cover their employees’ lost income when they’re unable to work due to accidents and health problems.
All employers in New York State who employ one or more employees on each of 30 days in a calendar year become a covered employer and must provide this coverage effective at the end of an employee’s four consecutive weeks following the 30th day of employment until four weeks after termination.
A disability is considered an illness or injury, either physical or mental, which prevents an employee from performing their regular and customary work.
Disabilities include elective surgery, pregnancy, childbirth, back pain, depression, mental health conditions, digestive disorders, and other related medical conditions.
These disabilities may not be covered by workers’ compensation as they may not be work-related.
New York is one of a handful of states that require employers to provide disability benefits coverage to employees for an off-the-job injury or illness.
An employer is allowed, but not required, to take a contribution from their employees to offset the cost of providing disability benefits.
Benefits of Disability Insurance
Disability insurance protects workers 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for non-work-related accidents or illness, including pregnancy to provide partial income in the event an employee is prevented from working and earning an income because of a disability.
