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New York Workers' Compensation Requirements
Required from your 1st employee
At a glance
1st
employee threshold (general)
—
construction threshold (same as general)
Private market
buy from any carrier
NYS Workers' Compensation Board
official source (verified 2026-09-08)
The details
Virtually all employers with employees must cover (WCL §2,3). Agricultural/domestic thresholds differ.
FAQ
Do I need workers' compensation in New York?
Yes — New York requires coverage as soon as you hire your first employee (full-time or part-time).
What about construction businesses in New York?
Construction businesses follow the same 1 threshold. See details below for industry nuances.
What if I don't carry required coverage in New York?
Penalties vary by state and can include per-employee per-day fines, stop-work orders, and personal liability for injury claims. Check the official source below for New York's current enforcement posture.
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Official source: NYS Workers' Compensation Board · Verified 2026-09-08 (official) · Compare all states · Construction rules · Farm rules