New York Governor Kathy Hochul has enacted legislation that expands workers’ compensation benefits to all workers suffering from job-related mental health crises, starting January 1, 2025. The new law allows employees to file claims for mental injuries induced by extraordinary job stress, a significant extension beyond the previous focus on first responders, who were only eligible for PTSD-related claims. Although labor organizations have praised the move as a necessary advancement for employee rights, business and insurance groups have raised concerns about potential increases in costs and vague definitions surrounding what constitutes “extraordinary work stress.” The measure reflects growing recognition of mental health issues in the workplace and aligns New York with other states that are broadening mental health protections under workers’ compensation.
