Workers' Compensation by state

Workers' compensation requirements in New York

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Does New York require workers' compensation insurance?

Yes. New York requires workers' compensation coverage once a business has one or more employees, under the New York Workers' Compensation Law. New York requires virtually all employers with one or more employees to carry workers' compensation coverage. Coverage can be obtained from private insurers, the New York State Insurance Fund, or an approved self-insurance program.

Reviewed by Cornerstone Staff28 years of financial services state licensing experienceLast verified July 29, 2026

How the mandate works

New York requires virtually all employers with one or more employees to carry workers' compensation coverage. Coverage can be obtained from private insurers, the New York State Insurance Fund, or an approved self-insurance program.

Coverage trigger: One or more employees
If you go without coverage: Failing to carry required coverage can bring penalties assessed per ten-day period of noncompliance, stop-work orders, and possible criminal liability.

Notable exemptions

Exemptions are narrow and fact-specific; confirm your situation with the regulator or an agent before relying on one.

Sole proprietors, partners, and one-or-two-person corporate owners with no other employees
Certain clergy and members of religious orders performing religious duties
Some volunteers for nonprofit organizations and specified casual workers

Statutes and sources

New York Workers' Compensation Law

N.Y. Work. Comp. Law sect. 1 et seq.

Regulator: New York State Workers' Compensation Board . Last verified 2026-07-29 from the official source .

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