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The ILDBF (Independent Livery Driver Benefit Fund) is a New York fund that provides workers' compensation benefits for serious injuries and for crimes committed against drivers dispatched by qualifying independent livery bases (car services) licensed in New York City, Westchester and Nassau. The Workers' Compensation Board says it was created by legislation Governor Paterson signed on July 26, 2008. You may also see it called the Livery Fund or the New York Livery Fund.
The numbers (as of 2026-10-12)
Which bases can join
To join, a livery base applies to Hereford Insurance Company (the fund's insurer), pays a premium based on its number of affiliated vehicles, and affirms that it runs as an independent base. Among the conditions the WCB lists: it is not a black car or luxury limousine base and not a Black Car Fund member; drivers choose their own clothing, hours and days; drivers can accept or decline dispatches (within TLC rules) and can work for other livery bases; the base doesn't own or pay for more than 50% of the liveries it dispatches; and drivers don't get a W-2 from the base.
Where you'll see this term
- On your livery base's TLC paperwork. Since January 1, 2010, a base must give TLC proof of a workers' comp policy or a certificate of ILDBF membership.
- After a serious crash or a robbery or assault on the job, when you find out who pays.
- On the Workers' Compensation Board's employer pages for taxi and livery coverage.
Common mix-ups
- Not the Black Car Fund. The Black Car Fund covers Uber, Lyft, black car and luxury limo work. Its FAQ says jobs from a livery base are not covered by it. Check yours at am I covered by the Black Car Fund.
- Not full workers' comp. The ILDBF covers serious injuries and crimes, not every injury. For other injuries, see the livery workers' comp guide for what may pay instead.
- No free Drivers Benefits. The dental, vision and other Drivers Benefits are for Black Car Fund member-base drivers.
Related: livery, member base, independent contractor, livery drivers' workers' comp and the money topic.
Frequently asked questions
What does ILDBF stand for?
Independent Livery Driver Benefit Fund. It was created by a law Governor Paterson signed on July 26, 2008, to give workers' comp benefits to drivers dispatched by qualifying independent livery bases.
What injuries does the ILDBF cover?
The Workers' Compensation Board says it covers serious injuries and crimes committed against drivers dispatched by qualifying independent livery bases in New York City, Westchester and Nassau. It is not full workers' comp for every injury.
Is the ILDBF the same as the Black Car Fund?
No. The Black Car Fund covers drivers of black car, luxury limousine and app (high-volume) bases. A livery base that joins the ILDBF must not be a black car or luxury limousine base or a Black Car Fund member.
Does my livery base have to belong?
Since January 1, 2010, a livery base must show TLC either a workers' comp policy for its drivers or a certificate of ILDBF membership to get, renew or keep its license.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- NYS Workers' Compensation Board: Independent Livery Driver Benefit Fund wcb.ny.gov
- Black Car Fund: F.A.Q.s nybcf.org
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.