New York Disability Resources
If you just got hurt on the job, received a diagnosis, or need to understand what New York offers for people with disabilities, this page covers the major programs and how to access them.
Workers' Compensation
The New York State Workers' Compensation Board handles claims.
What to do if you're hurt at work:- Report the injury to your employer within 30 days.
- Seek medical treatment -- you may choose your own doctor from an authorized provider.
- File a claim (Form C-3) with the Workers' Compensation Board.
- Notify your employer within 30 days.
- File Form C-3 within 2 years.
- Nearly all New York employers must carry workers' compensation insurance.
- Benefits include medical care, cash benefits for lost wages, and schedule loss of use awards.
- Temporary disability pays 66 2/3% of average weekly wage (subject to maximum).
- Phone: 1-877-632-4996
- Web: wcb.ny.gov
State Disability Programs
New York has Statutory Disability Benefits (DBL) -- one of the few states with mandatory short-term disability insurance.
- Covers non-work-related illness or injury.
- Pays 50% of average weekly wage, up to the statutory maximum.
- Up to 26 weeks of benefits.
- Most employers are required to provide coverage.
- Provides wage replacement for bonding with a new child, caring for a seriously ill family member, or qualifying military exigency.
- Up to 12 weeks.
- Pays 67% of average weekly wage (up to state cap).
- Through your employer's disability and PFL insurance carrier.
- Web: wcb.ny.gov
- PFL: paidfamilyleave.ny.gov
Medicaid
New York Medicaid is administered by the Department of Health.
How to apply:- Online at nystateofhealth.ny.gov
- By phone: 1-855-355-5777
- At your local Department of Social Services
Vocational Rehabilitation
ACCES-VR (Adult Career and Continuing Education Services - Vocational Rehabilitation) under the State Education Department helps people with disabilities find employment. Contact:- Phone: 1-800-222-5627
- Web: acces.nysed.gov/vr
Disability Rights
Disability Rights New York (DRNY) is the state's federally designated Protection and Advocacy organization. Contact:- Phone: 518-432-7861 / 1-800-993-8982
- Web: drny.org
Veterans Services
The New York State Division of Veterans' Services provides state-level assistance.
Contact:- Phone: 1-888-838-7697
- Web: veterans.ny.gov
State Employment Protections
New York has the New York State Human Rights Law, which prohibits disability discrimination for employers with 4 or more employees (and harassment protections for all employers).
Where to file a complaint:- NYS Division of Human Rights: 1-888-392-3644
- Web: dhr.ny.gov
Key Contacts
| Agency | Phone | Website | |--------|-------|---------| | Workers' Compensation Board | 1-877-632-4996 | wcb.ny.gov | | Disability Benefits / PFL | See employer's carrier | paidfamilyleave.ny.gov | | Medicaid | 1-855-355-5777 | nystateofhealth.ny.gov | | ACCES-VR | 1-800-222-5627 | acces.nysed.gov/vr | | Disability Rights NY | 1-800-993-8982 | drny.org | | Division of Human Rights | 1-888-392-3644 | dhr.ny.gov | | Social Security Administration | 1-800-772-1213 | ssa.gov |