As a rideshare driver in New York, you might not realize the valuable health and wellness benefits available to you—for free! Whether you drive for Uber, Lyft, or other black car services, these benefits can help you stay healthy, reduce costs, and improve your driving experience.
Thanks to initiatives like The Black Car Fund and the Independent Drivers Guild (IDG), eligible TLC drivers have access to a range of perks, from free virtual doctor visits to defensive driving classes that put money in your pocket. Let’s explore these free benefits and how you can access them.
What Benefits Are Available to TLC Drivers?
If you’re a qualified TLC driver, here’s a breakdown of the free benefits you can access:
- Virtual Doctor Visits
Get 24/7 access to medical advice via phone, app, or webcam for a wide range of health concerns, including COVID-19 symptoms.
- Dental Coverage
Enjoy free emergency dental care, annual exams, x-rays, and cleanings to maintain your oral health.
- Vision Coverage
Receive free routine eye exams and discounts on eyewear.
- Urgent Care Discounts
Save on urgent care visits at various NYC locations.
- Discounted Health Scans
Access discounts of 20% to 80% on essential health scans.
- Prescription Savings
Enjoy significant discounts on prescription medications at thousands of pharmacies.
- Mental Health Support
Access free, confidential counseling services through the IDG mental health program to manage stress, build relationships, and overcome life challenges.
- Defensive Driving Class
Complete a defensive driving course and get paid $300 for it! This class not only improves your driving skills but also puts extra cash in your pocket.
Additional Perks from the Independent Drivers Guild
Through the IDG, you can also take advantage of:
- Free flu shots
- Support after an accident
- Low-cost legal assistance for traffic tickets
- Free screenings to help your family qualify for low-cost or no-cost health insurance
How Do You Qualify for These Benefits?
To access these perks, you must:
- Be an active TLC-licensed driver.
- Drive an average of at least 10 hours per week over the last three months.
How Are These Benefits Free?
The benefits are funded through a small surcharge paid by passengers on every trip. This surcharge, called the “passenger surcharge,” goes directly into The Black Car Fund, a non-profit organization established by New York State.
This fund provides workers’ compensation and additional programs to support rideshare drivers at no cost to them. While the surcharge may appear as a deduction on your paycheck, rest assured, it is paid entirely by the riders—not you.
How to Sign Up for These Benefits
Signing up is easy!
- Online Form: Visit the program’s website and fill out your details, including your name, TLC license number, email address, phone number, and address.
- Driver App: Check the box in your rideshare app to enroll quickly.
Once registered, you can start accessing these free benefits right away.
Who’s Behind These Benefits?
- The Black Car Fund
This non-profit organization provides workers’ compensation and safety programs for drivers of black car services, including Uber and Lyft. The Fund ensures that drivers have access to health and wellness benefits at no extra cost.
- The Independent Drivers Guild (IDG)
IDG is a union representing NYC rideshare drivers. It works tirelessly to improve working conditions, fight for fair treatment, and secure valuable perks like health benefits and legal support.
Get the Support You Deserve
Driving in New York City comes with challenges, but these free benefits can make your experience safer, healthier, and more rewarding. Whether it’s improving your health, saving money on prescriptions, or earning cash for defensive driving classes, these perks are designed to support hardworking TLC drivers like you.
If you’re ready to explore your options, visit ny.driversbenefits.org or call 1-833-814-8590. Resources are also available in Spanish, French, and Chinese for your convenience.
Protect Yourself on the Road with Asian Insurance
At Asian Insurance, we’re committed to supporting New York’s rideshare drivers. Alongside valuable health and wellness benefits, you need reliable TLC insurance to stay protected while driving. Contact us today to learn how we can help you get affordable, comprehensive TLC insurance that keeps you covered every mile of the way.
