Disability & Long-Term Care · Surprise rank #116
Sick or Hurt Off the Job? NY Disability Benefits Can Pay Up to $170 a Week for Up to 26 Weeks
New York Disability Benefits Law provides temporary cash benefits to many covered workers who cannot work because of an off-the-job illness or injury.
Who
Covered New York employees and certain recently unemployed workers who become disabled from a non-work-related illness or injury and meet the eligibility rules.
What to do
Start here: Notify the employer and file the required DBL claim form promptly with the employer's disability-benefits carrier or the appropriate special-fund route.
Eligibility: Coverage and waiting-period/employment-history rules apply. Work-related injuries belong under workers' compensation instead.
What you get
DBL pays 50% of the worker's average weekly wage for the prior eight weeks, capped at the current statutory maximum.
Benefit: Up to $170 per week for a maximum of 26 weeks in any 52-consecutive-week period under the current rule.
Possible value: Up to $4,420 over 26 weeks at the current $170 weekly maximum.
Good to know
Important: The benefit is cash-only and does not pay medical bills. You cannot receive DBL and Paid Family Leave at the same time, and combined DBL/PFL leave is capped at 26 weeks in a 52-week period.
Availability: Active
Why people miss it: Workers frequently assume state wage replacement exists only for job injuries or Paid Family Leave, not their own off-the-job disability.
Sources reviewed: Aug 10, 2026