What is Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI)?

Temporary disability insurance (TDI), sometimes called disability benefits (DB), gives you the right to partial wage replacement while you are unable to work due to an off-the-job illness or injury, including pregnancy-related disabilities and recovery from childbirth. Most New York employers have been required to provide TDI coverage since 1949.

Who is covered by TDI?

If you’re employed outside the government in New York State, either full-time or part-time, you’re probably covered under the TDI law, regardless of how many people work for your employer. The law applies regardless of citizenship or immigration status.

What’s the difference between TDI and paid family leave?

While the two programs are very similar in many ways, they also have some key differences.

• You can receive TDI while you are away from work due to your own serious health needs, while you can take paid family leave to bond with a new child, care for a seriously ill or injured family member, or address certain military family needs.
• Unlike paid family leave, TDI does not provide job protection (though workers may still have rights under other laws like the FMLA).
• Unlike paid family leave, TDI benefits are capped at a maximum of $170 per week.

You can find out more about TDI here.

Can I receive TDI and paid family leave benefits at the same time?

No. You cannot receive TDI benefits and paid family leave benefits at the same time. However, if you are eligible for both TDI and paid family leave benefits, you can choose how to combine those benefits. For example, you can receive TDI benefits for recovery from childbirth, then take paid family leave to bond with your new child.