Paid Family Leave New York Paid Family Leave Policy

It's important to know that starting January 1, 2018, Paid Family Leave (PFL) is required by New York State for all businesses with at least 1 employee, even if that employee is part-time. New York State's Paid Family Leave differs from the federal Family Medical Leave Act. You can choose which to use, but their benefits can not be stacked.

Paid Family Leave What is Paid Family Leave?

Paid Family Leave allows you...

  • To provide care for a family member with a severe health condition
  • To bond with a child after birth or adoption; or to welcome a child into foster care
  • To cope with a military exigency leave event

In June 2018 both the NY State Assembly and Senate passed bill "S8380A" which, if/when signed by the governor, would add bereavement as a fourth qualifying event starting in 2020.

Paid Family Leave Paid Family Leave Benefits

It's important to know that starting January 1, 2018, Paid Family Leave (PFL) is required by New York State for all businesses with at least 1 employee, even if that employee is part-time. There are limited exemptions, please review the Employer's Guide.

New York State's Paid Family Leave differs from the federal Family Medical Leave Act. You can choose which to use, but their benefits can not be stacked. See infographic below.

The Law:  Rates for the next year are set by the NY State Department of Financial Services each fall. The premium is calculated as rate times employee income, with income capped at the NYS Average Weekly Wage for the year. The benefit is a percentage of income, scheduled to rise over the first four years since implementation. The benefit is calculated as % of employee's Average Weekly Wage (AWW), capped at % of NY State Average Weekly Wage (SAWW).

2018:  Rate is 0.126% of employee's annualized gross weekly wage, capped at $67,907.84. Maximum employee premium contribution of $85.56 annual. Benefit is maximum 8 weeks of leave with maximum 50% of AWW paid, capped at 50% of SAWW.

2019:  Rate is 0.153% of employee's annualized gross weekly wage, capped at $70,569.72. Maximum employee premium contribution of $107.97 annual. Benefit is maximum 10 weeks of leave with maximum 55% of AWW paid, capped at 55% of SAWW.

2020:  Rate to be determined. Maximum employee premium contribution to be determined. Benefit is maximum 10 weeks of leave with maximum 60% of AWW paid, capped at 60% of SAWW.

2021:  Rate to be determined. Maximum employee premium contribution to be determined. Benefit is maximum 12 weeks of leave with maximum 67% of AWW paid, capped at 67% of SAWW.

Find all the necessary claim forms and information about documentation needed for PFL on our make a claim page.

ShelterPoint policyholders who need updated PFL posting notices can print them here:

 DB/PFL 120 Posting Notice
• DB/PFL 120.1 Certificate of Insurance

Paid Family Leave Additional Information

Employers can learn more about Paid Family Leave on the New York State website, on NYSIF's website, or from the resources below.

Paid Family Leave Calculate PFL Premium

Visit the Paid Family Leave estimator.

Paid Family Leave Opting Out

Can an employee opt-out of paying for Paid Family Leave?  In most cases, no.