If you’re an employee in New York, you’ve likely heard of New York State Disability Insurance (NYS DBL) and the Paid Family Leave Act (PFL), two important benefits that provide financial support in times of need. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, welcoming a new child, or caring for a loved one, these programs are designed to offer relief when life throws you a curveball. Let’s dive into what these programs cover, the statutory limits, and how businesses can provide additional coverage to employees.
What Does New York State Disability Insurance Cover?
New York State Disability Insurance (NYS DBL) is a short-term benefit that provides partial wage replacement for employees who are unable to work due to a non-work-related injury or illness. It applies to employees who suffer from temporary disabilities, such as recovering from surgery, pregnancy complications, or other health conditions that prevent them from performing their job duties.
Here’s what New York State Disability covers:
– Eligibility: Any employee who has worked for a covered employer for at least four consecutive weeks is eligible for NYS DBL.
– Benefits: The statutory benefit under NYS DBL is 50% of an employee’s average weekly wage, capped at a maximum of $170 per week.
– Duration: Benefits can be paid for up to 26 weeks in any 52-week period.
– Who Pays?: Employers must provide disability insurance for their employees, and they are allowed to share the cost with employees through payroll deductions (though the deduction is typically minimal).
What Does Paid Family Leave Act Cover?
In 2016, New York State passed the Paid Family Leave Act (PFL) to allow employees to take paid time off to:
– Bond with a new child (through birth, adoption, or foster care),
– Care for a family member with a serious health condition,
– Assist loved ones when a family member is deployed on active military service abroad.
Paid Family Leave benefits differ from NYS DBL in several key ways:
– Eligibility: Employees who have worked full-time for 26 consecutive weeks or part-time for 175 days are eligible for PFL.
– Benefits: The benefit under PFL is a percentage of the employee’s average weekly wage, capped at 67% of the New York State average weekly wage. The current statutory cap for 2024 is set at $1,157.11 per week.
– Duration: Eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of leave.
– Who Pays?: PFL is funded entirely by employee contributions through payroll deductions. Employers are not allowed to fund PFL on behalf of employees.
Beyond Statutory Limits: Increasing Disability Coverage
While the statutory weekly benefit under NYS DBL is capped at $170, some companies choose to enhance this coverage for their employees. Depending on the employer, weekly disability benefits can be increased to $340, $510, or even higher, providing more substantial financial support to employees facing temporary disability.
Offering enhanced benefits is an attractive option for companies looking to stand out in the competitive labor market. Employees with higher coverage feel more secure in case of illness or injury, knowing their financial needs will be better met.
Affordable Rates for New York State Disability and Paid Family Leave
For employers, NYS DBL is relatively inexpensive. Typical annual rates are quite affordable:
– For males, the yearly premium for basic NYS DBL coverage is generally under $25.
– For females, the premium tends to be slightly higher, but is still affordable at under $80 per year.
Paid Family Leave is funded differently. Employers apply a rate per gross payroll to cover PFL, but for employees making over a certain amount (currently set at the state’s average weekly wage), their payroll contribution is capped. This ensures that higher-earning employees don’t contribute disproportionately more than their lower-earning counterparts.
Turn to BGES Group for Disability and Paid Family Leave Coverage
If you’re an employer looking to purchase New York State Disability Insurance and Paid Family Leave coverage, or if you’re interested in exploring enhanced benefits for your employees, BGES Group is here to help. Specializing in workers’ compensation and employee benefits, BGES Group offers personalized service and competitive rates tailored to your business needs.
To learn more or to get a quote, contact Gary Wallach at BGES Group today:
– Phone: 914-806-5853
– Email: bgesgroup@gmail.com
Whether you’re a small business looking to stay compliant or a larger company seeking to offer your employees more substantial coverage, BGES Group can guide you through the process and find the right solution for your business.
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If you want to speak with us, call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853, click here to email, or visit our website.
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