Enter your gross pay and see exactly how much NY SDI is deducted from your paycheck — plus what you'd get if you needed disability benefits.
This calculator provides an informational estimate based on the published rules and rates for the United States / New York as of August 2026. It does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Individual circumstances—including personal exemptions, deductions, regional rules, and special situations—may produce different results. For decisions involving tax obligations, payroll processing, or financial planning, consult a qualified professional licensed in your jurisdiction.
The table below shows exactly how much NY SDI is deducted at different income levels. The math is simple: 0.5% of your weekly wages, capped at $0.60 per week. Because the cap kicks in at $120/week, every full-time worker pays $0.60 — no more.
| Weekly Gross Pay | SDI Calculation | SDI Deduction | Annual SDI Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100 | $100 × 0.005 = $0.50 | $0.50 (below cap) | $26.00 |
| $120 | $120 × 0.005 = $0.60 | $0.60 (cap reached) | $31.20 |
| $300 | $300 × 0.005 = $1.50 → capped | $0.60 (capped) | $31.20 |
| $500 | $500 × 0.005 = $2.50 → capped | $0.60 (capped) | $31.20 |
| $800 | $800 × 0.005 = $4.00 → capped | $0.60 (capped) | $31.20 |
| $1,000 | $1,000 × 0.005 = $5.00 → capped | $0.60 (capped) | $31.20 |
| $2,000 | $2,000 × 0.005 = $10.00 → capped | $0.60 (capped) | $31.20 |
| $5,000 | $5,000 × 0.005 = $25.00 → capped | $0.60 (capped) | $31.20 |
The cap kicks in at $120 per week. If you earn $120 or more per week, you always pay the maximum $0.60. You never pay more than $0.60/week in NY SDI, regardless of your salary. The annual maximum for any employee is $31.20.
| Year | Employee Rate | Weekly Cap | Annual Maximum | NYSIF Annual Premium* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0.5% | $0.60 | $31.20 | $24.75/person |
| 2026 | 0.5% | $0.60 | $31.20 | $17.68/person (−28%) |
*The NYSIF standard DB premium rate is the employer-facing insurance cost; the employee weekly cap of $0.60 and annual maximum of $31.20 remain unchanged. The 2026 employer premium dropped significantly.
You pay a small amount each paycheck, but if you become disabled, the benefit is significant.
| Your Average Weekly Wage | Benefit Calculation (50%) | Weekly SDI Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| $200 | $200 × 0.50 = $100 | $100 |
| $300 | $300 × 0.50 = $150 | $150 |
| $340 | $340 × 0.50 = $170 | $170 (max) |
| $500 | $500 × 0.50 = $250 | $170 (capped) |
| $1,000 | $1,000 × 0.50 = $500 | $170 (capped) |
You pay $0.60/week max, but if disabled you can receive up to $170/week — that's a 28,000%+ return on your contribution. Benefits are payable for up to 26 weeks in a 52-week period.
NY SDI stands for New York State Disability Insurance. It's a mandatory payroll deduction that funds short-term disability benefits for non-work-related injuries or illnesses.
Every employee in New York pays into this system through paycheck deductions. The money provides income replacement if you become disabled and cannot work due to a non-work-related condition.
Key things to know about NY SDI:
If you see "NY SDI," "NY DBL," "Disability," or "NYS Disability" on your paystub, this is what you're paying for. It's not a tax — it's an insurance benefit that protects you if you can't work due to a non-work injury or illness.
Fast fact: The NY SDI program is also known as the Disability Benefits Law (DBL). DBL is the law that requires employers to provide disability coverage. SDI is the contribution that funds it.
The math behind NY SDI is straightforward. Here's the formula:
NY SDI Deduction = Your Weekly Gross Pay × 0.005
(capped at a maximum of $0.60 per week)
That's it. No complex brackets. No hidden calculations. Just 0.5% of your weekly wages, with a hard cap at $0.60.
Example 1: You earn $800 per week
Example 2: You earn $500 per week
Example 3: You earn $100 per week (part-time)
The cap rule: If you earn $120 or more per week, you always pay the maximum $0.60. If you earn less than $120, you pay 0.5% of your actual wages.
This means the vast majority of full-time workers pay exactly $0.60 per week in NY SDI. The annual cost is $31.20 — less than a cup of coffee per week.
NY SDI and NY PFL are two different payroll deductions that appear on your paycheck. Many people confuse them. Here's the breakdown.
| Feature | NY SDI | NY PFL |
|---|---|---|
| What it covers | Non-work-related injury or illness | Bonding with new child, caring for sick family member, military family leave |
| Employee rate | 0.5% of wages | 0.432% of wages (2026) |
| Weekly cap | $0.60 | No weekly cap (annual cap based on wage base) |
| Annual max contribution | $31.20 | $411.91 (2026) |
| Wage base | Cap of $0.60/week; no traditional wage base | $95,348.76 (annualized NYSAWW) |
| Max weekly benefit | $170 | $1,228.53 (2026, 67% of NYSAWW) |
| Benefit duration | Up to 26 weeks | Up to 12 weeks |
Key distinction: SDI covers you if you get sick or injured. PFL covers you if you need to care for someone else or bond with a new child. Both appear on your paystub, but they serve different purposes.
On your paystub, you'll typically see NY SDI as a small deduction (usually $0.60) and NY PFL as a larger deduction (often $5–$15 depending on your salary). To estimate your own deduction, use our NY PFL benefit calculator. Both are mandatory for most NY employees.
Your location in New York doesn't change your SDI deduction — it's the same statewide. But location does affect your total take-home pay through local income taxes. If you moved into or out of NYC this year, calculate your NYC part-year resident tax to see exactly how residency affects your city withholding.
Here's how the extra taxes compare for a $75,000 salary:
| Location | Extra Tax | Estimated Annual Impact on $75,000 |
|---|---|---|
| NY State (outside NYC/Yonkers) | No local tax | Baseline |
| New York City Resident | 3.078% – 3.876% | ~$2,300 – $2,900 |
| Yonkers Resident | 16.75% surcharge on NY State tax | ~$590 |
What this means for your paycheck:
SDI is the same everywhere: Your NY SDI deduction doesn't change based on where you live in New York. The 0.5% rate and $0.60 cap apply equally to all employees in the state.
One of the most common questions about NY SDI is who actually pays for it — you or your employer. The answer is more nuanced than you might expect.
The short answer: Employees pay the premium through payroll deductions, but employers are legally required to provide the coverage. Your employer could pay the full cost, but most choose to pass the cost to you.
What this means on your paystub:
Yes. Some employers choose to absorb the full cost of SDI insurance as a benefit. If your employer does this, you won't see an NY SDI deduction on your paycheck — but this is rare. Most employers pass the cost to employees through payroll deductions.
Don't confuse the two: SDI is the contribution you pay. DBL is the coverage your employer must provide. If you see no SDI deduction, your employer is likely covering the full premium.
You know you're paying NY SDI, but how do you find it on your pay documents? Here's exactly where to look.
NY SDI can appear under different names on your paystub. Look for any of these labels:
Scan your paystub for a deduction between $0.00 and $0.60. If you're a full-time worker earning $120+/week, it should be exactly $0.60. If it's more than $0.60, your employer may be making an error.
NY SDI is reported on your W-2 in Box 14. This box is for "Other" deductions and includes various state-mandated contributions.
Important: NY SDI is not tax-deductible. It's a post-tax deduction, meaning it doesn't reduce your taxable income. You cannot claim it on your federal or NY state tax return.
You're legally required to have NY SDI coverage if you work in New York. If your employer isn't deducting SDI from your paycheck, here's what's actually happening.
Your employer is still required to provide coverage. They might be paying the full premium themselves, meaning they're absorbing the cost instead of deducting it from you.
Don't panic if you don't see SDI deducted. Many employers pay the full cost. But if you're unsure, ask. You deserve to know you're protected.
You pay a small amount each paycheck for NY SDI. But what do you actually get if you become disabled?
Your weekly SDI benefit is based on your average weekly wage during the 8 weeks before you became disabled.
Your SDI Benefit = Your Average Weekly Wage × 0.50
(capped at a maximum of $170 per week)
You can receive SDI benefits for up to 26 weeks in a 52-week period. There is a 7-day waiting period before benefits begin.
Key takeaway: You pay $0.60/week max. If disabled, you can receive up to $170/week. It's low-cost insurance that replaces part of your income during a non-work-related disability.
NY SDI is narrower than many people assume. Understanding what qualifies — and what doesn't — helps you know whether you can count on benefits if you need them.
Generally, employees who work for a covered employer for 4 or more consecutive weeks are eligible for NY SDI. Federal government employees, some religious workers, and self-employed (1099) workers are typically not covered by the mandatory law.
Bottom line: If your condition is non-work-related, certified by a licensed provider, and prevents you from doing your job, it likely qualifies. When in doubt, file the claim — the carrier makes the final determination.
If you can't work due to a non-work-related illness or injury, here's the practical process for getting your NY SDI benefits. Filing correctly and on time is the difference between getting paid and getting delayed.
If your claim is denied or your employer isn't providing coverage, contact the New York State Workers' Compensation Board. They oversee disability benefits and can help resolve disputes.
Here's the other half — what you get back. Most calculators stop at the deduction. This one shows the full picture of what you pay and what you could get back if you ever need it.
We call this the SDI Decoder. It's a simple visual breakdown that connects your paycheck deduction to your potential benefit.
Value for your contribution: You pay $0.60/week. You can receive $170/week while disabled.
Every other calculator on the internet only shows you one side — the deduction. We show you both sides.
This changes the conversation. Instead of seeing SDI as another annoying tax, you see it as a benefit you're paying for. A benefit that could protect your income if you can't work.
Why this matters: Understanding what you're getting for your money makes the deduction less frustrating and more meaningful. You're not just losing $0.60 — you're buying income protection.
Let's say you make $1,000 per week. Over a year, you pay $31.20 in SDI. That's about $0.60 per week.
Then you slip on ice, break your ankle, and can't work for 8 weeks. Your SDI benefit kicks in: $170 per week for 8 weeks = $1,360.
You paid $31.20. You got $1,360. That's a 4,300% return on your contribution.
This is why NY SDI exists. It's not a tax. It's insurance. And it's one of the best deals you'll ever get.
Verified with official 2026 rates from:
NY SDI stands for New York State Disability Insurance. It's a mandatory payroll deduction that funds short-term disability benefits for non-work-related injuries or illnesses. Every employee in New York pays into this system through paycheck deductions, and the funds provide income replacement if you become disabled and cannot work. It's not a tax — it's an insurance benefit that protects you.
NY SDI is 0.5% of your gross weekly wages, capped at a maximum of $0.60 per week. You will never pay more than $0.60 per week regardless of your income. The cap kicks in at $120 per week — any employee earning $120 or more per week pays exactly $0.60. The annual maximum contribution is $31.20.
The NY SDI employee contribution rate for 2026 is 0.5% of gross wages, capped at $0.60 per week. This means the maximum annual contribution is $31.20 ($0.60 × 52 weeks). This rate has been stable for many years.
No. NY SDI (State Disability Insurance) covers non-work-related injuries and illnesses, providing up to $170 per week in benefits for up to 26 weeks. NY PFL (Paid Family Leave) covers bonding with a new child, caring for a seriously ill family member, or military family leave. SDI is capped at $0.60 per week, while PFL has a 2026 contribution rate of 0.432% with a maximum annual contribution of $411.91, based on a wage base of $95,348.76.
Employees pay NY SDI through payroll deductions. The employer is responsible for providing the Disability Benefits Law (DBL) coverage and may withhold the employee's contribution from wages. Employers can also choose to pay the full premium themselves, but most pass the cost to employees through payroll deductions. If you don't see an SDI deduction on your paystub, your employer is likely paying the full cost.
NY SDI typically appears on your paystub as 'NY SDI,' 'NY DBL,' 'Disability,' 'NYS Disability,' or 'State Disability.' It should show a deduction of $0.60 or less per week. You'll also see it reported on your W-2 in Box 14 under 'NY SDI' or 'State Disability.' If you're a full-time worker earning $120+/week, the deduction should be exactly $0.60.
Yes. If you live in NYC, you pay a local income tax of 3.078% to 3.876% of your taxable income, depending on your earnings. Single filers reach the 3.876% top rate above $50,000 of taxable income. If you live in Yonkers, you pay a 16.75% surcharge on your New York State tax. These are separate from SDI and appear as separate deductions on your paycheck. Your SDI deduction is the same regardless of where you live in NY State.
No. NY SDI is mandatory for all employees in New York State. You cannot opt out if you are a covered employee. However, certain workers may be exempt, including federal government employees, some religious workers, and self-employed individuals (1099 workers) who are generally not covered by the mandatory law. If you're unsure about your status, check with your employer or the NY State Workers' Compensation Board.
If your employer fails to withhold SDI from your paycheck, they are still legally required to provide Disability Benefits Law (DBL) coverage. The employer would be responsible for paying the full premium themselves. If you suspect your employer is not providing coverage at all, contact the New York State Workers' Compensation Board. Employers who fail to comply face fines and liability for all benefits that should have been paid.
The maximum annual NY SDI contribution is $31.20. Since the weekly cap is $0.60, and there are 52 weeks in a year, $0.60 × 52 = $31.20. This means no employee pays more than $31.20 per year in NY SDI, regardless of their salary. If you earn $120 or more per week, you hit the cap and pay the maximum.
The NY SDI rate (0.5%) and the weekly cap ($0.60) have remained stable for many years. The NYSIF standard DB annual premium rate was reduced in 2026 to $17.68 per person, a 28% decrease from $24.75. We recommend checking official NYSIF sources each year for updates.
NY SDI benefits are 50% of your average weekly wage, capped at a maximum of $170 per week. For example, if your average weekly wage is $300, your benefit would be $150 per week. If your average weekly wage is $500, your benefit would be capped at $170 per week. Benefits are payable for up to 26 weeks in a 52-week period, with a 7-day waiting period before benefits begin.
No. NY SDI is a post-tax deduction, meaning it does not reduce your taxable income. You cannot deduct NY SDI contributions on your federal or New York State tax return. It's different from pre-tax deductions like health insurance or 401(k) contributions, which do reduce your taxable income.
This calculator is built on verified 2026 data from official sources. Here's exactly how we calculate your NY SDI deduction and benefit.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on 2026 rates and standard assumptions. Your actual paycheck may differ based on your specific tax situation, filing status, pre-tax deductions, and employer policies. For personalized advice, consult a qualified tax professional or payroll specialist.
Last updated: August 2026 — verified with 2026 official rates.