How Much Does New York Workers' Comp Pay in 2024?

If you suffer a work-related injury, one of the most important benefits from workers’ compensation is the payments you receive to cover lost wages. Payments are generally worth two-thirds of your pre-tax pay, but there are limits and the type of injury you have also affects how much you get. Certain treatments and medical care are also covered.

Read on to learn how much your payments could be and what other payments you might receive. You can also try our complete guide to workers’ comp in New York if you have more questions.

How much does workers' comp pay in New York?

If your illness or injury leaves you unable to work for more than a week, you could qualify for biweekly payments to cover your lost wages. Workers’ comp payments in New York are generally worth two-thirds of your average weekly earnings before you were injured, up to a maximum of $1,145.43 for injuries that occurred in 2024. There is also a minimum payment of $275 per week in 2024.

Need help submitting a claim? We have a guide on how to file for New York workers’ comp.

How your payment amounts are determined

New York determines lost wage benefits according to two factors: your average weekly wages (AWW) and your degree of disability — a percentage based on your ability to do work compared to your ability before the injury.

The exact formula to calculate your payments is as follows:

⅔ of AWW x % degree of disability = weekly workers’ comp payment

The New York Workers’ Compensation Board sets your AWW based on your approximate number of days worked per year and the gross pay you received in the 52 weeks before getting injured or sick. The Board gets this information directly from your employers, even if you changed jobs or worked multiple jobs.

If the amount of your payments is ever incorrect, you should contact the Board. It may also be a good idea to talk with a workers’ comp lawyer.

How long do workers’ comp payments last?

When you get workers’ compensation, you start with temporary benefits until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) — the point where you’ve recovered as much as possible.

If you’re still not recovered to the point you were before the injury, you’ll have an evaluation with your workers’ comp doctor to determine your degree of disability. You can qualify for long-term payments at this point. Exactly how long the workers’ comp payments last will depend on what body part was injured and your degree of disability.

Total disability

If you experience total disability (a degree of disability of 100%) and you’ll never be able to work ever again, you can qualify for lifetime payments. You should also consider filing for Social Security disability benefits.

Partial disability

For partial disability, which is any degree of disability rating that’s 95% of less, the type of injury makes a big difference.

Injuries to critical body parts like your brain, heart, lungs, spine, or pelvis — all called non-schedule injuries under New York law — entitle you to workers’ comp payments that last between 225 weeks (for 15% degree of disability) and 525 weeks (for 95% degree of disability).

Injuries to your limbs, hands, feet, your vision, or your hearing — called schedule injuries in New York law — entitle you to payments that last between 16 weeks and six years based on the injury. The table below has more exact timelines.

How much medical care does workers’ comp cover?

As you get treatment for your illness or injury from a state-approved doctor, your employer’s insurer will cover expenses for all necessary care. Some expenses that New York workers’ comp covers include

• Medical procedures

• Prescription drugs

• Appointment co-pays

• Prescribed equipment for recovery

• Mileage or public transportation fees for traveling to and from appointments

• Other necessary expenses for traveling to get care

When you get workers' comp medical coverage, the New York Workers’ Compensation Board requires you to see a Board-approved doctor. Your employer may also have you see a provider in their network for your first appointment. These rules don’t apply to emergency care.

Other types of workers’ comp payments

In addition to lost wage payments, workers’ compensation in New York state offers additional payments in the event of disfigurement or death

Disfigurement payment

If you receive workers' comp for disfigurement to your face, head, or neck, you’ll get a one-time payment of up to $20,000. This benefit only applies to injuries in those specific areas.

Survivor benefits

If your family member dies due to a work injury or illness, you can get compensation through New York’s workers’ comp program. The state of New York has three types of survivor benefits payments.

• Weekly cash benefits: The deceased worker’s spouse, children, and other dependents are entitled to weekly payments. They’ll receive two-thirds of their deceased family member’s AWW for the 52 weeks before illness or injury.

• One-time payment for surviving parents or estate: If the worker has no spouse or dependents, their estate or parents can qualify for a $50,000 payment.

• Funeral or memorial expenses: Workers' compensation will cover up to $10,500 for most state workers, but up to $12,500 in funeral expenses if the worker lived in New York City, Nassau county, Rockland county, Suffolk county, or Westchester county.

How to get help with your workers' comp claim

While you don’t need a lawyer to get workers' comp, having one can make the process much smoother. Not only are they experts in the whole process, but a good lawyer will help you get the highest benefit payments or settlement possible. Workers' comp cases involving a lawyer have settlements worth five times more than those without.

It’s also free and simple to get legal help. Atticus can connect you with an experienced workers’ comp lawyer for free (and you only pay the lawyer after you get benefits or a settlement). Fill out our 2-minute workers’ comp quiz to see if you could have a strong case and to get connected with a lawyer if you want one.