What you Need to Know About New York’s Paid Family Leave Law

September 14, 2017

New York State’s new Paid Family Leave Law (the “PFL”) officially goes into effect on January 1, 2018. The PFL will provide leave and partial wage replacement to eligible employees. Below are the top 5 things you need to know about New York state’s paid family leave law.

1. Covered Employers

All private employers who employ one or more individuals for at least 30 consecutive days are covered by the PFL. Public employers can opt-in but are not automatically covered.

2. Eligible Employees

All employees who are covered under the disability benefits law will automatically be covered by PFL. Employees are eligible if they work 20 or more hours per week for at least 26 weeks or work less than 20 hours per week for at least 175 days. Eligible employees can activate PFL benefits for the following reasons:

  • Take care of a close relative with a serious health condition
  • Parental leave, to bond with a new child during the 12 months following the child’s birth
  • Demands relating to the military service of an immediate relative

3. Benefits

The paid family leave law will be implemented over the next four years.January 1, 2018, employees may receive up to eight weeks leave in any 52 week period.January 1, 2019, employees may receive up to 10 weeks leave, in any 52 week period.January 1, 2020, employees may receive up to 10 weeks leave, in any 52 week period.January 1, 2021, employees may receive up to 12 weeks leave, in any 52 week period.

4. Payroll

Paid family leave will be fully funded through employee payroll deductions. Employees cannot claim benefits until January 1, 2018, however, employers can currently begin deducting contributions from payroll. Contributions will be used to obtain PFL insurance coverage.

5. Other Policies

Some employers offer their own paid leave programs. If an employer offers paid leave that is more generous than PFL benefits, then employees will not be entitled to add PFL benefits to their current program.If you’re in need of an employment law attorney contact The Cochran Firm New York today. Our employment law attorneys are committed to getting you the money you deserve and holding your employer accountable for any wrongdoings that have caused you to suffer.

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