Eligible employees pay in more, get more time at a higher benefit
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In 2018 New York State implemented one of the most comprehensive Paid Family Leave (PFL) laws in the nation. The law allows employees to take a job-protected leave of absence for a percentage of their pay due to the birth/adoption of a child, to care for a family member with a serious health condition, or for a qualifying need due to a family member on active duty in the military. This new benefit was financed as part of the existing statutory state disability insurance program. Employers pay for the insurance premium via a deduction from employee wages and employees who qualify for the leave receive a percentage of their wages from the insurance carrier.
In the first year of PFL, an employee receives 50% of their wages, up to $652.96 per week, and is eligible for up to 8 weeks of leave for qualifying events.
In 2019, the benefit amount will increase from 50% to 55% of the state average weekly wage, to take up to 10 weeks of leave for one of the qualifying events. NYS has increased the employee contribution from .126% to .153% of gross wages, up to an annual maximum.
This increase will go into effect as of 1/1/19 and is a pre-tax deduction.
Please see the chart below for a quick glance at the differences from 2018 to 2019.
NYSPFL |
2018 |
2019 |
Average weekly state wage |
$1305.92 |
$1357.11 |
Employee premium deduction |
.126% |
.153% |
Annual maximum employee deduction |
$85.56 |
$107.97 |
Maximum weekly benefit |
$652.96 |
$746.41 |
Maximum benefit duration |
8 weeks |
10 weeks |
If you have questions regarding these changes please use the form below to send us a message. You can find more information in our Paid Family Leave Guide.