New law supports employees suffering from work-related stress

ALBANY | Governor Kathy Hochul has signed new legislation to support working people who are facing job-related mental health crises. This law will allow any worker to file for workers' compensation for specific types of mental injury premised on extraordinary work-related stress. Signing this law continues Gov. Hochul's commitment to addressing the mental health crisis in New York, including the investment of $1 billion to transform the continuum of care. "New Yorkers work hard — and those who have experienced the unthinkable while on the job deserve to be treated fairly," Gov. Hochul said. "The mental health crisis our country has experienced since the COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented, and we need to do everything in our power to lend a hand to those in need. I'll never stop fighting for the working people of New York." Through an agreement with the Legislature, Legislation S.6635/A.5745 will allow any worker to file for workers' compensation for specific types of mental injury premised on extraordinary work-related stress. This expands coverage to all workers in the State of New York; previously, only certain first responders were eligible for such benefits. New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento said, "We applaud Governor Hochul for taking an important step toward helping workers suffering from mental illness as a result of their employment. This law removes significant hurdles workers face when accessing care and benefits for workplace mental health claims. Thank you to Senator Ramos and Assemblymember Reyes for recognizing the need for parity for mental and physical workplace illness/injury."

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New law supports employees suffering from work-related stress

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