A proposed increase to New York’s Disability Benefit Law (DBL) did not pass the New York Assembly during the legislative session. New York’s DBL has provided the same, fixed $170/week maximum since 1989, but by tying benefits to the New York State Average Weekly Wage (SAWW) as part of the proposed changes, lawmakers could increase the benefit amount significantly.
Efforts to implement such an increase took a major step forward in March 2025, when Senate Bill S172 was passed by the State Senate and sent to the Assembly’s Labor Committee. At the time, the effort seemed to have momentum, but ultimately Assembly Bill A84, legislation that would address a DBL increase, did not advance beyond the committee.
Because the legislature did not pass an increase before the session ended, DBL benefits will remain at the current level:
- NY DBL benefits will remain at 50% of eligible wages with a cap of $170 per week for up to 26 weeks (after the 7‑day waiting period).
Therefore, employers with contributory policies will continue withholding at the current rate for contributions (to a maximum of $0.60/week per employee); and requirements for posting DBL notices remain unchanged.
NY DBL & PFL Changes Going Into Effect
While a DBL increase was not implemented, some previously passed changes are either scheduled to go into effect or awaiting signature by the Governor:
- COVID-19 Sick Leave: Benefits specific to quarantine requirements and pandemic-specific leave provisions are scheduled to sunset on July 31, 2025.
- PFL for Construction Workers Under Collective Bargaining Agreements: Legislation was passed that, once signed by the governor, will extend Paid Family Leave benefits to employees working on construction, demolition, reconstruction, excavation, rehabilitation, repairs, renovations, alterations, or improvements for multiple employers under a collective bargaining agreement. These workers will then be eligible if employed for at least 26 of the last 39 weeks by a covered employer.
Stay Informed About Future NY DBL & PFL Changes
Even though legislation did not pass the New York Assembly during this session, efforts to increase the benefit are still ongoing. Stay up-to-date with any future developments by signing up for updates from ShelterPoint.
Learn more about existing New York PFL and New York DBL benefits by visiting our resource center.
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This material is for informational purposes only; it is not the same as official statements of position contained in the law and/or regulations and is not intended to provide legal counsel or advice. Please consult with an appropriate professional for legal, compliance, HR, tax, or any other specific advice.
Any Disability Benefits Law (DBL) and/or Paid Family Leave (PFL) information is based on the applicable statutes and regulations, and may change as regulations evolve or NY State issues guidance regarding DBL/PFL law and regulations. In the event of conflicting information with the policy and/or rider(s), the policy and/or rider(s) will take precedence over what is shown in this material. Policies are governed by Article 9 of Workers Compensation Board (WCB) Law (New York State Disability and Paid Family Leave Benefits Law). All DBL/PFL policies are New York-only products and are underwritten by ShelterPoint Life Insurance Company, a NY-domiciled carrier.