When you suffer a work injury in New York, you can claim reimbursement for mileage and travel expenses related to your workers’ compensation case. Many injured workers don’t realize they can recover these costs, which can add up quickly when you’re making regular trips to doctors, physical therapists, and medical appointments. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about mileage reimbursement and travel expenses in your NY workers’ compensation claim, including current rates, eligible expenses, and how to file for reimbursement. Understanding these benefits is critical to maximizing your workers’ compensation recovery.

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Why Choose Fusco, Brandenstein & Rada, P.C. for Your Workers’ Compensation Claim

Fusco, Brandenstein & Rada, P.C. has been helping injured workers in New York for over 40 years. Our team understands the challenges you face after a workplace injury. We work to help you receive all benefits available to you—including travel expense reimbursement. With 10 office locations across New York, including our Woodbury office, we serve injured workers throughout the region.

Our attorneys have earned recognition as Super Lawyers. We offer free consultations and are available 24/7 to answer your questions. When you work with us, you get knowledgeable legal representation focused on your workers’ compensation benefits.

Understanding NY Workers’ Compensation Mileage Rates

The New York Workers’ Compensation Board sets the mileage reimbursement rate each year. As of January 1, 2026, the current rate is 72.5 cents per mile. This rate applies to round-trip mileage for travel related to your accepted workers’ compensation injury. Understanding how these rates are calculated helps you ensure you’re receiving the full reimbursement you’re entitled to under New York law.

To give you context, the mileage rates have increased over the past few years:

2026: 72.5 cents per mile

2025: 70 cents per mile

2024: 67 cents per mile

The Workers’ Compensation Board updates these rates annually to reflect changes in vehicle operating costs. When you claim mileage reimbursement, you calculate the total round-trip distance traveled to and from your medical appointments and multiply it by the current rate. For example, if you drive 30 miles round-trip to a doctor’s appointment, you would receive $21.75 (30 miles × 72.5 cents). This is just one component of the total workers’ compensation benefits you may be entitled to receive.

What Travel Expenses Are Reimbursable

You can claim reimbursement for several types of travel expenses related to your workers’ compensation injury. The key requirement is that the travel must be necessary for medical treatment of your accepted injury. Proper documentation of these expenses is essential to ensure your claim is approved without delay.

Reimbursable travel expenses include:

Round-trip mileage for doctor visits, physical therapy, and other medical appointments
Parking fees and tolls may be submitted for carrier review on a case-by-case basis, though they are not explicitly listed as reimbursable expenses under NY Workers’ Compensation law. Submit documentation with your C-257 form for consideration.
Public transportation costs (bus fare, train ticket, taxi) when the actual cost is less than the mileage reimbursement rate
Travel to medical evaluations required by your workers’ compensation case

Expenses That Don’t Qualify

Not all travel expenses are reimbursable under workers’ compensation. You cannot claim reimbursement for personal errands or non-medical travel, travel related to injuries that weren’t accepted by your workers’ compensation claim, or commuting to work (unless you’re on modified duty and traveling to a different work location). Understanding what qualifies helps you avoid submitting claims that will be denied.

How to Document and Claim Your Travel Expenses

Proper documentation is essential to ensure your reimbursement claim receives approval. Start by keeping detailed records of each trip you make for medical treatment. For each trip, note the date, the destination (name of the doctor’s office or medical facility), and the miles traveled. You can use online mapping tools like Google Maps to verify the distance and ensure accuracy. Maintaining organized records throughout your case will protect your claim from disputes.

When you’re ready to submit your claim, use New York Workers’ Compensation Board Form C-257, which is the official form for requesting reimbursement of medical and travel expenses. On this form, list each trip separately with the date, destination, and mileage. If you incurred parking fees, tolls, or public transportation costs, include those as well and attach receipts whenever possible. Submitting complete documentation with your initial claim reduces the likelihood of delays or denials.

Submit your reimbursement claim to your workers’ compensation insurance carrier as soon as possible after you incur the expenses. Don’t wait until the end of your case to file—submit claims regularly to receive timely reimbursement. Many injured workers delay filing claims and then struggle to remember details or locate receipts months later. For guidance on how to file successful workers’ compensation claims, consult with an experienced attorney.

Tips for Accurate Mileage Tracking

Keep your mileage documentation organized and accurate. Use mapping tools to verify distances before submitting your claim. Maintain a travel log or diary to record each trip immediately after it occurs, including the date, destination, and purpose of the visit. Save all receipts for parking, tolls, and public transportation. The more detailed your documentation, the less likely your claim will face questions or denial. Consistent record-keeping throughout your workers’ compensation case protects your right to full reimbursement.

Common Questions About Mileage Reimbursement

Are round-trip miles counted as one trip or two?

Round-trip mileage means the total distance you travel to and from your medical appointment. If you drive 15 miles to a doctor’s office and 15 miles back home, you claim 30 miles total. You don’t count it as two separate trips—it’s one round-trip journey. This calculation method applies to all medical-related travel under New York workers’ compensation law.

What if I use public transportation instead of driving?

You can claim the actual cost of public transportation (bus fare, train ticket, taxi) if it’s less expensive than the mileage reimbursement rate. For example, if a taxi ride costs $18 but the mileage reimbursement would be $25, you should claim the taxi fare. Keep your receipt to prove the cost. This flexibility allows injured workers to choose the most economical transportation option.

Can I claim reimbursement for a family member who drives me?

Only the injured worker can claim mileage reimbursement. If a family member drives you to your medical appointment, you claim the mileage, not your family member. The reimbursement goes to the injured worker, even if someone else provided the transportation. This rule ensures that benefits flow directly to the person entitled to them under workers’ compensation law.

How long do I have to submit a reimbursement claim?

You should submit your reimbursement claims promptly after you incur the expenses. While there’s no strict deadline in the law, delaying your claim can make it harder to remember details and gather documentation. Contact your workers’ compensation insurance carrier to ask about their specific claim submission procedures and timelines. Prompt submission protects your ability to recover these costs.

What if my claim is denied?

If your reimbursement claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. You can request a hearing before a workers’ compensation judge to challenge the denial. Fusco, Brandenstein & Rada, P.C. can help you appeal a denied claim and fight for the reimbursement you deserve. Don’t accept a denial without exploring your legal options.

Let Fusco, Brandenstein & Rada, P.C. Help You Get the Reimbursement You Deserve

Many injured workers miss out on travel expense reimbursement simply because they don’t know they can claim it, or they don’t understand how to file a claim properly. At Fusco, Brandenstein & Rada, P.C., we help our clients recover their workers’ compensation benefits, including travel expense reimbursement. We handle the paperwork, communicate with your insurance carrier, and work to help you obtain all available reimbursements.

If you have questions about mileage reimbursement or any other aspect of your workers’ compensation claim, contact us today for a free consultation. Call 516-496-0400 to speak with a knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney who can review your case and explain your rights. You can also view our case results and client testimonials to see how we’ve helped injured workers throughout New York.

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