New York Paid Family Leave Updates for 2019

This article comes from nys.gov website.

New York Paid Family Leave Updates for 2019

For the second year of New York State’s landmark Paid Family Leave benefit, there are exciting updates to share! In 2019, as we continue our four-year phase in, Paid Family Leave benefits have been significantly enhanced to further improve the lives of working New Yorkers and their families.

More time with loved ones.

As of January 1, 2019, the number of weeks eligible employees can take to bond with a new child, care for a family member with a serious health condition, or assist loved ones when a family member is deployed abroad on active military service increased to 10 weeks.

The number of weeks employees can take will continue to rise through 2021, at which time employees will be able to take up to 12 weeks of job-protected, paid time off to be there for family when they are most needed.

Additionally, Governor Cuomo recently signed legislation to expand the Paid Family Leave Law’s definition of “serious health condition” to explicitly include preparation for and recovery from surgery related to organ or tissue donation, ensuring those who donate can be cared for by their eligible family members under New York Paid Family Leave. That law takes effect on February 3, 2019.

More financial security.

The Paid Family Leave wage replacement benefit has also increased. In 2019, employees taking Paid Family Leave will receive 55% of their average weekly wage, up to a cap of 55% of the current Statewide Average Weekly Wage of $1,357.11. The maximum weekly benefit for 2019 is $746.41.

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