The Black Car Fund Benefits | A Guide for Drivers

If you’re a traditional Black Car Member Base or rideshare driver in New York, you’ve probably heard about The Black Car Fund (The BCF) and its Workers’ Compensation Program, which is automatically provided to qualify. No prior registration is required to access Workers’ Compensation. But many drivers don’t realise that The Black Car Fund also pays for the Drivers Benefits Program, which provides eligible, enrolled drivers with access to health-related income protection benefits, dental insurance, vision coverage, and more. Signing up is at no cost to drivers – it’s free to sign up, and there are no membership or subscription fees.

In this guide, we’ll walk through what The BCF is, the key benefits available to drivers, how to use these benefits, and how eligible drivers can enroll for free so you can keep driving with peace of mind.

What Is The Black Car Fund?

The Black Car Fund is a not-for-profit New York State program that was established in 1999, and offers drivers access to benefits if they work with affiliated Black Car Member Bases or rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft. The BCF  is funded by a surcharge that only passengers pay on every ride in New York. Drivers have never paid this fee.

Since you don’t get the same protections as full-time employees, The Black Car Fund Workers’ Compensation and Drivers Benefits Program can help fill that gap. 

Remember, The BCF operates a Workers’ Compensation Program, which includes Death & Survivor Benefits, for qualifying New York drivers. You do not need to complete extra registration or signup to access these 2 benefits. 

Benefits Automatically Provided to Qualifying New York Drivers

Workers’ Compensation 

The Black Car Fund (BCF) provides Workers’ Compensation benefits to drivers injured while working. This includes replacement income and coverage for medical bills resulting from work-related accidents. Enrolling in Drivers Benefits is not required.

Death and Survivor Benefits

The Black Car Fund’s Workers’ Compensation program also provides a $100,000 Driver Death Benefit if a driver dies while on the job, and they are an affiliated driver of a Member Base at the time of death, then their loved ones are eligible to receive a $100,000 check. Drivers Benefits enrollment is not required.

Wellness

Funded by The BCF and facilitated by the Independent Drivers Guild, the Mental Health and Wellness program can help drivers access support and resources. Social workers provide confidential counseling and support accessing services like SNAP, and help drivers come up with new ways of reducing stress, building healthy relationships, and overcoming other challenges life throws their way.

What is The Black Car Fund Drivers Benefits Program?

The Black Car Fund offers eligible drivers additional benefits through its Drivers Benefits Program. To access these benefits, drivers must enroll for free. 

Health-Related Income Protection Benefits

• Metlife Personal Accident Insurance: Pays qualifying drivers a lump sum up to $40,000 for qualifying accidents on or off the job.
• Hartford Accident Disability Insurance: Pays qualifying drivers a minimum of $1,000 per month – up to $1,5004 per month – for up to a year if they experience a disabling accident outside of work.
• Metlife Critical Illness Insurance: Pays qualifying drivers a lump sum up to $20,000 for Covered Conditions, such as (but not limited to) cancer, heart attack, or stroke. A major illness must first occur on or after this benefit effective date of 8/1/2023.
• Hartford $100,000 Accidental Death Benefit: Pays a $100,000 lump sum if a qualifying driver dies in a covered accident outside of work. Note: Deaths due to prior medical conditions are not covered.

Health & Wellness Benefits

• Metlife Dental Insurance: Provides enrolled drivers up to $2,0008 of covered in-network dental services a year, including exams, x-rays, root canals, fillings, and cleanings.
• GVS Vision Coverage: Provides enrolled drivers a no-cost, in-network annual vision exam and in-plan glasses or contacts10 so they can see safely on the road.
• CirrusMD Telemedicine (Telemedicine): Provides drivers (not family members) 24/7 access to a virtual primary care provider at no cost to them anywhere within the USA, to help with general health, urgent care needs, mental health concerns, or refilling certain prescriptions.
  • Note: If a driver is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, they should report to the nearest Emergency Room or call 911, not telemedicine.
  • We can walk drivers through account setup.
• Healthcare Enrollment Assistance: Helps drivers find out if they and their households qualify for affordable health insurance (either through a government program or the marketplace) and receive 1-on-1 assistance to complete an application with an expert’s guidance at no cost to them.
• Medical Clinics (ModernMD): Free visits to any of the participating ModernMD urgent care clinics in Brooklyn and Queens. For aches, pains, non-serious injuries, colds, flus, drug testing, STDs, and more, drivers can see a doctor in person. If it’s an emergency, they should report to the nearest Emergency Room or call 911, not go to an urgent care clinic.
• Free Seasonal Flu Shot Vouchers: Drivers enrolled in Drivers Benefits will get a free seasonal flu shot voucher, typically sent to them in the Fall, redeemable at any Walgreens or Duane Reade location, emailed to them automatically.
• Hearing Care Program: The Black Car Fund Drivers Benefits program now includes a comprehensive hearing care program through TruHearing®. Eligible, enrolled drivers of the Drivers Benefits Program can receive a free hearing exam when visiting a local TruHearing network provider.12 The Hearing Care Program also covers up to two TruHearing Advanced rechargeable prescription hearing aids every three years at no cost to drivers because they are paid for by The Black Car Fund.
• Diagnostic Imaging Discounts: If a doctor orders a diagnostic image for a care plan, drivers will have access to a network of providers who offer 40% to 80% savings on MRI, CT, and PET Scans.
• Urgent Care Discounts: Access to discounts on Participating Urgent Care services in Metropolitan New York City locations.
  • Note: If a driver is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, they should report to the nearest Emergency Room or call 911, not go to an urgent care clinic.
• Prescription Discounts: Drivers will save an average of 70% off a participating pharmacy’s retail price at over 65,000 locations nationwide, including CVS pharmacy, Walgreens, Duane Reade, RiteAid, Walmart, Costco, and more!

How Do I Qualify For the Benefits From The Black Car Fund and Drivers’ Benefits?

• For The Black Car Fund automatic benefits, you don’t need to sign up or fill out forms. If you work for a Member Base of The Black Car Fund, which includes Uber and Lyft, you’re automatically covered. 
• To access The Black Car Fund’s Drivers Benefits Program, you must be an eligible driver and enroll by calling their team or visiting their website.
• Drivers Benefits also has a new app, which can help you register, easily check your enrollment status, and access your benefits information on the go.

How Do I Use The Black Card Fund Workers’ Compensation Benefit?

Promptly Report an Accident to The Black Car Fund

If you’re hurt while on the job, report the injury to The Black Car Fund as soon as possible. Prompt reporting ensures faster processing of medical bills and lost income benefits. See https://www.nybcf.org/reporting-an-accident for more details, including The BCF’s contact information. 

How Can IDG Legal Help?

IDG Legal can help rideshare drivers who have been injured in an accident while on the job get the help they need to help pay for qualifying medical costs and lost income. 

Mistakes, confusion, and delays can impact the full amount of compensation you might be eligible for. Working with an IDG Legal preferred lawyer who understands the benefits available to you can save you time and help you feel secure that your case is being handled. 

IDG Legal can help you:

• • Start a new Workers’ Compensation claim with The Black Car Fund
  • Help you understand your rights and benefits
  • Get the right documents or records needed for successful processing
  • Appeal a denied claim
  • Our support is free to Uber and Lyft drivers.

What to Do If Your Black Car Fund Claim Is Denied

Getting injured on the job is stressful enough, and finding out your Workers’ Compensation claim was denied can be too. But don’t panic. A denial doesn’t mean it’s over, and you still have options to try to get the support you deserve. Here’s what you should do next:

Find Out Why Your Claim Was Denied

The first step is to read the denial letter carefully. The reason could be something small, like a missing document or an issue with your trip count. Other times, they may question whether the injury was work-related. Understanding the reason gives you a roadmap for how to fix it.

Don’t Miss Appeal Deadlines

You only have a limited time to appeal a denied claim, so act fast. Waiting too long could cost you your right to benefits, including lost wages and medical coverage.

Gather the Right Documentation

If your claim was denied due to “insufficient evidence,” you may need to collect medical records, proof of your trips, or witness statements to support your case.

Contact IDG Legal for Help

At IDG Legal, we know how the Black Car Fund system works, and we know how to fix claim problems. We can help you:

• Understand exactly why your claim was denied
• File a strong appeal with the correct paperwork
• Communicate with the Fund on your behalf
• Make sure your rights as a TLC driver are protected

And best of all? Our support is completely free for Uber and Lyft drivers. A denied claim doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. You just need the right help to turn it around. 

Your Work Deserves Protection

You take care of your passengers. Now it’s time to make sure someone is taking care of you. The Black Car Fund’s Workers’ Compensation Program and Drivers Benefits Program are there to protect your health, your time, and your family.

Don’t wait until something goes wrong. Know your rights. Use your benefits. And if you need help, IDG Legal is just a call away. Tap below or call (646) 687-7587.