New York State Disability Insurance payment amounts

New York State Disability Insurance (SDI) pays a percentage of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum amount that changes each year. The state pays between 50 and 66.67 percent of your weekly wage, depending on your income level. For 2024, the maximum weekly benefit is $870 — meaning even if your regular wage is much higher, you will not receive more than that per week.

The actual amount you receive depends on what you earned in the base period, which is typically the first four of the last five calendar quarters before you file your claim. SDI uses your earnings record to calculate an average weekly wage, then applies the percentage formula. If you earned $500 per week, you might receive $300 to $333 per week. If you earned $1,500 per week, you still receive the $870 maximum.

New York SDI is a temporary program, not permanent income replacement. Benefits last up to 26 weeks in a benefit year, though some workers can extend to 52 weeks under certain conditions. The program covers non-work-related injuries and illnesses — it does not cover conditions that arose from your job, which fall under workers' compensation instead.

Key Takeaways

  • New York SDI pays 50 to 66.67 percent of your average weekly wage, with a maximum of $870 per week in 2024.
  • Your benefit amount is based on earnings from the first four of the last five calendar quarters before you file.
  • Benefits last up to 26 weeks per benefit year, with possible extension to 52 weeks under specific circumstances.
  • Work-related injuries and illnesses are covered by workers' compensation, not SDI, and the two programs do not overlap.
  • The maximum weekly amount increases each January, so the 2024 figure will be higher in 2025.

How New York calculates your weekly benefit

The New York Department of Labor takes your gross earnings from the base period and divides by the number of weeks worked to find your average weekly wage. They then explore a benefit formula: workers earning less pay a higher percentage of their wage, while higher earners receive a lower percentage but still hit the maximum cap.

If you worked part of the base period or had gaps in employment, your average will be lower, and so will your benefit. Self-employed workers and certain independent contractors do not pay into SDI and cannot receive it. If you received unemployment benefits during your base period, those weeks do not count toward your earnings record.

Once the Department of Labor calculates your benefit amount, that figure stays the same for your entire benefit year — it does not adjust if you return to work part-time or if your condition improves. You are responsible for reporting any work or income you earn while receiving SDI; failing to report can result in overpayment and a demand to repay the state.

Maximum and minimum weekly amounts

The maximum weekly benefit for New York SDI changes on January 1 each year. In 2024, it is $870 per week. In 2023, it was $840. The state sets this amount based on a formula tied to the state average weekly wage, so it typically increases slightly each year.

There is no published minimum weekly benefit amount, but if your average weekly wage is very low, your calculated benefit may be only a few dollars per week. Some workers with minimal earnings in the base period receive benefits under $50 per week. The state will still process and pay these amounts, though the administrative cost to you of filing may outweigh the benefit.

How long you can receive New York SDI

Standard New York SDI benefits last for 26 weeks in a benefit year, which runs from the date you first become unable to work. If you exhaust your 26 weeks and remain unable to work, you may be able to extend benefits to a total of 52 weeks if you meet specific conditions — typically, you must have been unable to work for the full 26 weeks and have no other income source.

The extension is not automatic. You must contact the Department of Labor before your 26 weeks end and request an extension. The state will review your case to confirm you still cannot work and that you have not returned to any employment. If approved, you receive an additional 26 weeks of benefits at the same weekly rate.

Partial disability and reduced benefits

New York SDI includes a partial disability option for workers who can work part-time or at reduced capacity while recovering. If you are earning some income but less than your normal wage, you may receive a partial benefit that makes up part of the difference.

To may have access to for partial benefits, you must be under the care of a licensed physician who certifies that you can work part-time. The state will calculate what you would have earned at full capacity, subtract what you actually earned, and pay a percentage of that difference. This allows you to return to work gradually without losing all income support.

Comparison: New York SDI versus federal SSDI

New York SDI and federal Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are separate programs with different rules, timelines, and payment amounts. SDI is temporary and covers short-term disabilities; SSDI is permanent and requires a disability expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

SDI payments are typically higher than SSDI in the short term because SDI replaces a percentage of your recent wage, while SSDI is based on your lifetime Social Security earnings record. However, SSDI continues indefinitely if you remain disabled, while SDI ends after 26 to 52 weeks. You can receive both programs at the same time, though SSDI will reduce your payment if you also receive workers' compensation or certain other benefits.

What affects your payment amount

Your base period earnings are the primary factor in your benefit calculation. If you changed jobs, had unpaid leave, or took time off during the base period, your average weekly wage will be lower. Seasonal workers often have lower averages because they do not work year-round.

Bonuses, commissions, and overtime are included in your earnings record if they were paid during the base period. Tips are included only if you reported them to your employer. If you were paid under the table or your employer did not report your wages to the state, those earnings will not appear in your record and cannot be counted.

Your current income does not affect your SDI benefit amount — the state calculates it once based on past earnings and does not adjust it based on what you earn while receiving benefits. However, you must report any work or income to the state, and earning above a certain threshold may disqualify you from partial benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does New York SDI pay for the first week I am unable to work?

No. New York SDI has a one-week waiting period before benefits begin. You must be unable to work for seven consecutive days before your claim starts. If you are out of work for only a few days, you will not receive any SDI payment.

Can I receive New York SDI if I am also receiving unemployment benefits?

No. You cannot receive both programs at the same time. If you are laid off and file for unemployment, you are not may be able to access for SDI. If you become disabled while receiving unemployment, your unemployment ends and you can file for SDI instead.

What happens to my New York SDI if I move out of state?

You can continue to receive New York SDI benefits even if you move, as long as you remain unable to work and meet all other program requirements. You must continue to report your status to the Department of Labor and provide medical certification as requested. Moving does not end your claim.

Does New York SDI cover mental health conditions?

Yes. Mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric disabilities, are covered by New York SDI if a licensed physician certifies that you are unable to work because of the condition. You must provide medical documentation, and the state may request periodic updates on your treatment and progress.

Can my employer reduce my pay while I am on New York SDI?

Your employer cannot reduce your pay because you filed for SDI. However, if you return to work part-time or at reduced capacity, your actual earnings will be lower, and your partial SDI benefit will be calculated based on that reduced income. This is not a reduction by your employer — it is how partial benefits work.