Paid Family Leave Benefits and Contributions Increasing in 2019

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. 

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.