As the calendar year comes to a close, New York employers are shifting focus toward compliance and reporting. One of the most important responsibilities this season is reviewing your disability benefits in NY.
The New York State Disability Benefits Law (DBL) provides financial protection for employees who can’t work due to an off-the-job illness or injury. But as your workforce and business operations evolve, it’s crucial to make sure your coverage and filings are still accurate and compliant.
At Bene-Care, we help employers simplify the process through proactive reminders, clear reporting, and personalized guidance to ensure your coverage is up to date and your employees remain protected year-round.
The New York State Disability Benefits Law (DBL) requires most private-sector employers to provide short-term disability insurance to eligible employees. This coverage helps maintain financial stability for workers during periods of illness or injury unrelated to their job.
Key details every employer should know:
Eligibility: Employees qualify after four consecutive weeks of employment with a covered employer.
Benefit Duration: Up to 26 weeks of disability payments within a 52-week period.
Weekly Benefit: 50% of an employee’s average weekly wage, capped at $170 per week.
Funding: Employers can pay the full premium or deduct up to 0.5% of wages (not exceeding $0.60 per week) from employees.
Staying compliant with disability benefits in NY helps you avoid penalties while supporting employees’ financial well-being during life’s unexpected moments.
While DBL coverage operates year-round, the end of the year is the ideal time to review your records and ensure everything is in order. Even small oversights—like a missing payment or outdated employee roster—can lead to compliance issues or coverage lapses.
Taking time to review your policy now can:
Prevent billing or audit corrections next year.
Ensure all active employees are properly covered.
Confirm payroll deductions and premiums are accurate.
Reduce administrative stress heading into 2026.
A quick, thorough check now saves valuable time and money later.
To make your year-end review easier, Bene-Care recommends following this DBL compliance checklist:
✅ 1. Verify Coverage Status
Ensure your disability benefits policy is active and reflects your current workforce size and structure.
✅ 2. Review Employee Data
Add new hires, remove terminated employees, and confirm that all active employees are correctly listed under your policy.
✅ 3. Audit Payroll and Wage Reporting
Match your payroll data to your carrier’s invoice. Consistent reporting helps prevent billing errors and audit discrepancies.
✅ 4. Confirm Premium Payments
Double-check that all payments are submitted and received by your carrier.
✅ 5. Review Policy Charges and Employee Counts
Use Bene-Care’s employer resources to confirm employee totals, gender data, and premium calculations. Accurate data helps avoid costly adjustments later.
✅ 6. Mark Key Deadlines for 2026
Stay ahead by tracking carrier submission dates and renewal cycles on your compliance calendar.
Even with the best intentions, employers sometimes overlook small—but important—compliance details. Here are some of the most common mistakes with disability benefits in NY, and how to avoid them:
❌ Missing Filing Deadlines – Late submissions can cause delays in claims or coverage renewals.
❌ Outdated Employee Rosters – Forgetting to remove or add staff can lead to inaccurate premiums.
❌ Incorrect Wage Reporting – Inconsistent payroll data often results in audits or billing corrections.
❌ “Set It and Forget It” Coverage – Your policy should evolve with your business. Review it annually.
Tip: Combine DBL compliance with your Paid Family Leave (PFL) review. Since both programs run through New York State, coordinating them ensures you stay fully compliant.
Navigating disability benefits in NY doesn’t have to be complicated. At Bene-Care, we make the process simple and stress-free by combining technology and personalized service.
Our team helps you:
Verify policy accuracy and prevent coverage gaps.
Review employee data and carrier invoices for consistency.
Integrate payroll and benefits data through iSolved for clean reporting.
Stay informed with timely compliance reminders and updates.
We’re here to help ensure your DBL and PFL coverage stay compliant, efficient, and easy to manage—so you can focus on your people, not paperwork.
Learn more about Bene-Care’s Employer Benefits Solutions for disability benefits in NY and how our local experts support compliance year-round.
While you’re finalizing your 2025 reporting, it’s the perfect time to plan for next year. Regulatory adjustments and rate updates can change annually, so being proactive helps you stay compliant.
Take a few moments to:
Confirm your contact and payment details with your carrier.
Update your compliance calendar for 2026 deadlines.
Review payroll and HR system settings for accurate deductions.
Stay alert for state-issued rate announcements in early 2026.
Visit the New York State Disability Benefits Employer Page for the latest updates and forms.
Year-end compliance isn’t just another administrative task—it’s a chance to strengthen your organization’s reliability and care for your employees. Reviewing your disability benefits in NY ensures accuracy, prevents penalties, and protects both your team and your business.
At Bene-Care, our compliance specialists guide employers through every step—from verifying coverage to reviewing invoices—with accuracy, compassion, and local expertise.
Ready to simplify your year-end process?
Contact Bene-Care today to connect with a local expert and make compliance simple, accurate, and stress-free.
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