Is a New York DBL increase actually happening? Find out how you can make a difference.
The DBL Center chided the state of New York and Governor Kathy Hochul in a holiday season post last year. As the latest budget passed, the state, once again, failed to increase required short term disability pay beyond the $170 weekly maximum.
The proposed 2025 budget would have increased NY disability benefits to 50% of a worker’s weekly pay, eventually bringing that percentage up to 67% to match paid family leave. But any NY SDI increases were dropped from the budget at the last minute.
Literally no one can live on $170 per week in New York State. But that’s what the state has been paying for short term disability benefits in NY since 1989.
The Importance of Short Term Disability and Paid Medical Leave Programs Across the U.S.
Ideally, if an employee is disabled or injured outside of work, they have a safety net besides statutory DBL to make ends meet.
Yet, roughly 50% of Americans live paycheck-to-paycheck, spending more than 95% of their income on necessities, according to data from the Bank of America Institute. That makes it hard to set aside a nest egg in case of injury or illness. It’s one reason we push so hard for businesses in New York to consider purchasing enriched DBL plans. Enriched DBL can pay up to $850 per week.
As other states introduce generous paid family and medical leave insurance programs, where a single premium covers both disability and family leave, enhanced disability coverage is crucial for employers to stay competitive.
The Need for Better Paid “Me” Leave in NY
Increased DBL benefits wouldn’t just help New Yorkers who may be struggling financially. They can also help high earners preserve their wealth.
In a down market, you don’t want to sell investments if you are out of work for several weeks or months because of an illness or injury. You may not even want to withdraw from a high-yield savings account and give up 4% plus in monthly interest earnings. Group insurance coverage paid, in part, by an employer can fund daily and monthly expenses such as food and housing to help keep savings accounts intact.
Yet, as more states introduce paid medical leave, New York continues to lag in disability coverage, in spite of providing one of the most generous Paid Family Leave programs in the country.
“There’s paid family leave, but there’s no paid ‘me’ leave,” Assemblywoman JoAnne Simon told the Times Union.
New Legislation Passes New York State Senate
In March 2025, the New York State Senate passed Bill S172 to increase New York temporary disability benefits over the next four years until it is in alignment with PFL benefits. PFL pays up to 67% of an employee’s average weekly wage, capped at 67% of New York’s State Average Weekly Wage (SAWW). In 2025, PFL benefits are capped at $1,177.32 per week.
The bill also calls for Paid Family Leave coverage for birthing parents who have a stillborn child, giving them time to heal physically and also to mourn their loss.
Here’s What You Can Do
The bill to increase temporary disability insurance (TDI) in New York still has to pass the on-floor New York State Assembly. Then, Hochul has to sign it. The governor will have veto power over the bill at that point.
There is a long fight ahead for New York. You can make a difference by writing to your New York legislators and urging them to pass Bill S172. Register your account here and vote YES to increase NYS DBL. It’s the right choice for New York workers, business owners, and our industry.
FAQs about NYS DBL
What does DBL mean on a pay stub?
When you see the letters “DBL” on your pay stub, it means your employer is collecting a percentage of premiums for required short-term disability insurance. Employers may require workers to contribute up to 0.5% of their weekly wages, up to 60 cents per week. Short term disability in New York pays 50% of an employee’s average weekly wages, up to $170 per week.
What is NY DBL on taxes?
New York Disability Benefits Law requires all employers to provide disability insurance for up to 26 weeks, which offers partial salary replacement up to $170 per week. You will see “SDI” in box 14 on your W2 if your employer withheld DBL premiums. If you receive benefits, you must report that income as non-wage income on your W2 form when you file taxes.
What is the NY DBL rate for 2025?
New York DBL coverage premiums equal 0.5% of an employee’s weekly wage, up to 60 cents per week. Benefits are 50% of an employee’s average weekly wage, capped at $170 per week.
