Penalty Update: NYS DB-PFL Proof of Coverage

New York State is stepping up enforcement of DBL (Disability Benefits Law) and Paid Family Leave (PFL) compliance—tightening deadlines, removing flexibility, and increasing penalties for employers who fall out of step. Insurance carriers are now under more pressure to meet strict reporting timelines for policy changes, and the ability to backdate coverage or accept late payments has largely been eliminated.

This shift means employers are now more directly exposed to penalties if coverage lapses or isn’t properly reported. Penalties may include up to 0.5% of payroll plus an additional $500 per period of noncompliance. In most cases, retroactive fixes are no longer allowed—making proactive policy management more critical than ever.

Even if you don’t currently manage your DBL/PFL coverage through Bene-Care, we strongly recommend reviewing your policy details now and confirming that your coverage is active, paid, and up to date. The state is taking a firmer stance, and employers bear the financial risk.

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