Paid Family Leave is Coming to New York

Effective January 1, 2018, ALL private employers are required to provide Paid Family Leave (PFL) to employees who have worked for at least 26 consecutive weeks.  Employees are entitled to 8 weeks during a 52-week calendar period in order to:

• bond with a newborn, adopted or foster care child during the first 12 months;
• care for a seriously ill family member; or
• address important needs related to a family member’s military service

In 2018, the benefit is 50% of average weekly wages to a maximum of $1,296.48. Employers won’t need to administer PFL since the DBL carriers will have that responsibility, and the premium will be funded through payroll deduction.  There may be indirect costs and planning required to change payroll deductions, update employee handbooks and policies, and to make adjustments for employees taking leave under the new benefit.  For more information, follow this link.