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New York’s Workers’ Compensation Assessment Rate Adjusted for 2025

Icon representing workers' compensation with an injured worker and a clipboard featuring a checklist and a dollar sign.

The New York workers’ compensation assessment rate directly impacts both employers and the overall stability of the state’s workers’ compensation system. It determines the additional cost employers must pay on top of their workers’ compensation premiums.

What is the workers’ comp assessment rate in NY?

New York’s workers’ compensation assessment rate has dropped by 22% in 2025, potentially saving employers around $191 million. As of January 1st, the rate decreased to 7.1% of the standard premium or premium equivalent, down from 9.2% in 2024 and 9.8% in 2023.

This reduction reflects the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board’s improved financial management. The assessment rate is determined by dividing the board’s projected annual expenses by the statewide premium estimate. It has consistently declined steadily since 2019, when the rate stood at 12.6%.

The new 2025 rate of 7.1% marks a total reduction of over 40% compared to 2019, which benefits employers statewide while reflecting efficient fiscal oversight. Governor Kathy Hochul attributed this trend to the accelerated resolution of special workers’ compensation liabilities, known as special funds, funded through the assessments.

Does a lower NY workers’ comp assessment rate affect workers?

This drop in the New York workers’ comp assessment rate doesn’t directly impact workers. It only affects the amount of money employers pay for workers’ comp insurance. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t have a positive indirect impact on workers.

For example, lower assessment rates reduce the financial burden on employers, making it easier for them to comply with workers’ compensation insurance requirements. This ensures that employees have access to the coverage they need if they are injured while on the job.

Additionally, reduced costs for businesses may encourage employers to expand, hire more workers, or invest in safer workplace practices. A safer work environment reduces the likelihood of occupational injuries, illnesses, and health conditions.

How do you file for workers’ comp in NY?

If you’re hurt on the job in New York, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits that cover your medical expenses, wage loss, and rehabilitation until you reach maximum medical improvement. To get started on your workers’ comp claim, you’ll need to report your injury or work-related health condition to your employer within 30 days of discovering it.

You must then visit an authorized healthcare provider in the New York Workers’ Compensation Board’s (NYWCB) network and inform the doctor that the injury or health condition is work-related. An eligible doctor must file a medical report with the NYWCB and your employer’s insurance carrier.

To start your claim, you must complete Form C-3 (Employee Claim Form) and submit it to the NYWCB as soon as possible. You can file the form online or mail it to the board.

In the meantime, keep all medical records, receipts, bills, prescriptions, and appointment logs. You should also keep a record of the incident or conditions that led to your injury or illness, as well as paystubs, tax documents, and any written communications with your employer. This information will be necessary when proving the legitimacy of your claim.

When to hire a workers’ compensation attorney

While it’s possible to handle your workers’ comp claim on your own, it’s not usually in your best interest. Pursuing a claim can be a highly complicated process, and any errors can result in delayed or denied compensation. That’s why it’s best to seek legal help from an experienced New York workers’ compensation lawyer who understands the law and how the process works.

The attorneys at Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano LLP have over 90 years of experience helping injured workers in New York get the compensation they deserve. Our dedicated legal team can help you through every aspect of your claim from start to finish so you can focus on your recovery. We also offer legal representation on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Get the law firm that’s recovered over $1 billion for hardworking New Yorkers just like you. Contact us online or call any of our law offices in NYC or throughout New York State.

“The firm treated me with respect and dignity and handled all my workers comp issues with ease. I highly recommend them. Thank you.”
– E.D., ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

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