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Workers' Comp & Disability / PFL insurance: New York City restaurant guide

NYS Workers' Compensation Board

What it is

Statutorily required coverage once you have employees; proof is requested on many NYC permit filings.

When a restaurant needs it

Any restaurant with employees.

How to apply

Buy workers' compensation and disability benefits / Paid Family Leave coverage from a licensed carrier (or the State Insurance Fund) and have the carrier issue certificates naming the agency that asks.

Documents you’ll need

Payroll estimate
Entity info
Certificates of coverage (WC and DBL/PFL)

Fee

Insurance premium — no government fee

Processing time

Days (through your carrier)

Renewal

Annual policy

Who files

Your insurance broker or carrier issues the certificates.

Good to know

DOHMH requires workers' comp and disability certificates with DOHMH listed as certificate holder before it will issue your food permit; DOB filings ask for them too.

Official source

NYS WCB — Employer requirements

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.