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Drivers Benefits is a free package of health and income-protection benefits that the Black Car Fund pays for, for eligible black car, Uber and Lyft drivers. It is separate from workers' comp. You must enroll to use it, and for some coverage you must enroll before you get hurt or sick (BCF FAQ).
In one sentence: Drivers Benefits is the BCF's free benefits plan for active app and black car drivers who sign up and keep driving at least 20 passenger hours a month.
Key numbers
Hours count "from the time a passenger enters a vehicle until such passenger exits," using driving-hours data from TLC. Time waiting for a trip doesn't count.
Benefit list
The BCF FAQ lists: Accident Disability Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, a Critical Illness Benefit, a hearing care program, virtual primary care, vision coverage, dental insurance, the IDG Mental Health and Wellness Program, and discounts on prescriptions, urgent care and diagnostic imaging. The Drivers Benefits site also lists a $100,000 accidental death benefit. Benefits can change; check the Drivers Benefits site for the current list.
Enroll-first rule
Help with enrollment: the Drivers Benefits Driver Support Team at 1-833-814-8590 or help@driversbenefits.org, 8 am to 8 pm ET. TLC's resources page lists (888) 814-8590 for activation help.
Where drivers see it
- In the Drivers Benefits mobile app and the "Drivers" section of the Black Car Fund website.
- On TLC's driver resources page, as "Drivers Benefits paid for by The Black Car Fund."
- In paid classes at the BCF Driver Education Center: Earn While You Learn.
Common mix-ups
- Not workers' comp. Workers' comp covers injuries on the job and needs no enrollment. Drivers Benefits adds coverage on and off the job for enrolled drivers.
- Not employment. The program says the benefits are not meant to give "rights of employment" or change your status as an independent contractor.
- Not for taxi work: does the BCF cover yellow taxi drivers?
- Not city benefits. SNAP, Medicaid and Fair Fares are government programs: public benefits for TLC drivers. TLC's Driver Protection Unit handles pay disputes, not benefits.
- Not a TLC program. TLC does not run it. But TLC penalties still matter: a suspension under the Persistent Violator Program (or the older Critical Driver Program) keeps you off the road, and fewer passenger hours can drop you below the 20-hour line.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for Drivers Benefits?
TLC-licensed drivers for a Black Car Fund Member Base (black car, Uber, Lyft) who drove passengers at least 20 hours in the past 30 days to start, and an average of at least 20 hours a month over a rolling six months to keep it. Non-TLC rideshare drivers need at least $4,000 in gross income in the most recent quarter. These rules took effect April 9, 2026.
Does it cost anything?
No. Enrollment is free and the benefits are paid for by the passenger surcharge that funds the Black Car Fund.
Why should I enroll now if I'm healthy?
Because for Accident Disability Insurance and Critical Illness Insurance you must be enrolled before the injury or illness. The Black Car Fund says you cannot enroll afterwards and be eligible for these benefits.
Can yellow taxi drivers join?
Not on taxi work. Eligibility is tied to driving for Black Car Fund Member Bases, and taxis are not among them.
What if I drop below 20 hours?
Your benefits end. Drivers Benefits says it emails drivers who lose eligibility and gives them a chance to appeal, but unless the termination was an error the benefits stop.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- Drivers Benefits: Eligibility Requirements (effective April 9, 2026) ny.driversbenefits.org
- Black Car Fund: FAQs nybcf.org
- TLC: Driver Resources (Drivers Benefits paid for by the Black Car Fund) nyc.gov
Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we'll check it against the official source.
TLC Help is not a law firm and is not affiliated with the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission or OATH. Explanations on this site are general information, not legal advice. Legal representation is provided by independent attorneys and OATH-registered representatives in our network.