Disability Benefits (DBL) Insurance

Disability Benefits (DBL) Insurance is a New York State–required insurance policy that provides partial wage replacement to employees who cannot work due to an off-the-job injury or illness (including pregnancy-related conditions). It protects workers, not the employer, but every covered employer must carry it.

For home improvement contractors, DBL is mandatory if you have any W-2 employees. If you don’t have employees, you must show proof of exemption—typically through a CE-200—when applying for or renewing your DCWP Home Improvement Contractor license.

Failing to maintain DBL coverage can lead to state penalties and can jeopardize your licensing and compliance status in NYC.