If you are doing business in New York State and you have employees, this benefit is mandated by New York State, with almost no exceptions. The good news is that all insurance companies providing this benefit offer the same core benefit. There is a 7-day wait for either sickness or accident, 50% of gross weekly earnings, maximum weekly benefit of $170.00 and a maximum benefit period of 26 weeks. For fewer than 50 employees there is a rate for males and a rate for females. Over 50 employees the rate will be determined by experience (rates determined by prior year loses) or based on payroll. Whether a community rated plan (under 50 lives) or experience rated (50 plus) you look for the lowest priced carrier. This is a benefit that is a 24 hour a day, seven days a week, non-work related benefit. This coverage is usually the cornerstone benefit that employers will add to with short term or long term disability.