On January 1, 2018, the New York State Paid Family Leave Program will take effect, providing eligible New York workers with coverage during time away from work.
The Program will be begin with 8 weeks of coverage at 50% of an employee’s salary in 2018 and rising to 10 weeks of coverage at 55% of salary in 2019, 10 weeks of coverage at 60% of salary in 2020, and finally with 12 weeks of leave at 67% of the employee’s salary in 2021. Benefits are capped if an employee’s pay is greater than the State’s average weekly wage which, as of 2016, is $1,305.92.
Three categories of employees are eligible for the program:
1. New parents following the birth or adoption of a child;
2. Employees caring for a sick family member; and
3. Employees with a family member called to active military duty. An employee must fall into one of these three categories and must also have been employed full time for 26 weeks, or part time for 175 days, by a private employer to be eligible.
The Program will be fully funded by employees, with payroll deductions beginning as early as July 1, 2017.