New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A09571

Introduced
1/16/26  

Caption

Increases short-term disability benefits.

Impact

The proposed changes under A09571 would significantly raise the maximum amounts of short-term disability benefits. Starting from January 1, 2028, employees could receive up to 55% of their average weekly wages, capped at 55% of the state average weekly wage. This increase would continue annually, offering even more substantial support for disabled employees over time. Additionally, the bill establishes clear guidelines for employer contributions, ensuring that these remain manageable and predictable for businesses, thereby potentially reducing barriers to compliance and enhancing overall workforce welfare.

Summary

A09571 is a legislative bill intended to amend the workers' compensation law and the insurance law in the state of New York, primarily focusing on increasing short-term disability benefits. The bill outlines provisions for adjusted benefits based on employee wages and provides a framework for employer contributions towards these benefits. By updating certain sections of existing law, the bill aims to enhance the support provided during periods of disability for workers across various sectors.

Contention

Despite its intentions, the bill has drawn some concern regarding the financial implications it places on employers. Critics argue that increased contributions and higher benefits may burden small businesses, particularly those operating on thin margins. The bill’s stipulations on the timing and structure of contributions, alongside setting limits on employee cost-sharing, have sparked discussions among business advocacy groups about the balance between necessary employee protections and the economic realities faced by employers. Ultimately, while the bill seeks to bolster employee security, it raises questions about the best approach to achieve these goals without adversely affecting the business environment.

Companion Bills

NY S00172

Same As Increases short-term disability benefits.

Previously Filed As

NY S00172

Increases short-term disability benefits.

NY A08393

Provides for disability benefits for pregnancy loss.

NY A10205

Provides for cost-of-living adjustments of disability benefits for an employee with a permanent total disability to be based on an increase of the consumer price index as promulgated by the U.S. department of labor.

NY A03542

Provides the carrier or employer a credit against permanent partial disability benefits for temporary partial disability payments made in excess of 130 weeks.

NY A00084

Relates to increasing short-term disability benefits.

NY A02242

Allows for certain disability benefits to continue in the event an individual who is receiving such benefits gets married; provides that the marriage to another individual which would otherwise make an individual ineligible for certain disability benefits shall not be considered if such individual is already receiving disability benefits at the time of becoming married and continues to meet certain criteria.

NY A07346

Increases benefits payable by the correction officers' variable supplements fund to beneficiaries.

NY S06434

Increases benefits payable by the correction officers' variable supplements fund to beneficiaries.

NY A01006

Eliminates provisions exempting employees with disabilities from the minimum wage law; provides that laws or minimum wage orders that authorize an employer to pay a wage that is less than the minimum wage are valid provided that under such laws or orders an employee with a disability is paid the same wage as an employee in a comparable position that does not have a disability.

NY A10172

Provides that a member of a public retirement system who has been determined to have a permanent partial disability by the workers' compensation board of the state of New York, and who the United States social security administration has determined is disabled for substantial gainful activity, and approved for social security disability benefits, shall be deemed to be disabled for the purposes of eligibility for disability benefits of such public retirement system.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.