Since 2018, the New York State Paid Family Leave Program (PFL) has provided New Yorkers job-protected, paid leave to bond with a new child, care for a loved one with a serious health condition or to help relieve family pressures when someone is called to active military service. The Paid Family Leave Program is funded fully by employee deductions.
Below are some common questions asked by employees in the state of New York.
What will this cost?
The maximum employee contribution in 2018 will be 0.126% of the first $67,907.84 per year (New York State Average Weekly Wage). This rate and wage base are subject to change in the future.
Do I have to participate in Paid Family Leave?
Yes, Paid Family Leave is not optional for most employees. The exception is if you are in a job that will not allow you to attain the 26 continuous weeks, or 175 days, needed to qualify for Paid Family Leave (ex. seasonal workers). This means that each employee pays a maximum of $85.56 in 2018.
What are qualified reasons that Paid Family Leave provides paid time off to employees?
- To provide care for a family member with a qualifying health condition
- To bond with a child after birth, adoption or to welcome a child into foster care
- To cope with a military exigency leave event
- To obtain services from a domestic violence shelter, rape crisis center, or other shelter or services program
- To participate in safety planning, temporarily or permanently relocate, or take other actions to increase the safety of the employee or family member.
- To meet with a civil attorney or other social service provider to obtain information and advice on, and prepare for or participate in, any criminal or civil proceeding, including but not limited to matters related to a family offense matter, sexual offense, stalking, human trafficking, custody, visitation, matrimonial issues, orders of protection, immigration, housing, discrimination in employment, housing, or consumer credit.
- To file a complaint or domestic incident report with law enforcement
- To meet with a district attorney's office
- To enroll children in a new school
- To take other actions necessary to maintain, improve or restore the physical psychological, or economic health or safety of the employee or family member or to protect those who associate or work with the employee
If I live outside of New York, but work in New York, am I eligible for Paid Family Leave?
Yes, anyone working in New York will be eligible for Paid Family Leave
If I am not a US citizen/undocumented worker, am I still eligible for Paid Family Leave?
Yes, either your citizenship or your immigration status has no impact on your Paid Family Leave eligibility.
If I work on a farm, am I eligible for Paid Family Leave?
No, if you work in service as a farm laborer, you are not eligible for disability or Paid Family Leave benefits.
If I am part-time, can I use Paid Family Leave?
Yes, if you work less than 20 hours a week, you will become eligible after 175 days of work. If you work more than 20 hours a week, you will become eligible after 26 consecutive weeks of work.
Learn more about Paid Family Medical Leave requirements by state.
More information about NY PFML is available at www.ny.gov/paidfamilyleave or by calling call (844)-337-6303.