As of January 1st, the maximum weekly benefit for New York State Paid Family Leave has risen to $1,151.16 and the employee contribution rate has decreased to 0.373% of an employee’s gross wages each pay period, capped at an annual maximum of $333.25. This is about $20 more in cash benefits and $66 less in cost, compared to 2023.
“New York State continues to enhance our nation-leading Paid Family Leave,” said Workers’ Compensation Board Chair Clarissa M. Rodriguez. “Increasing the maximum benefit combined with lowering the employee contribution rate means more money where it’s needed most — in workers’ pockets.”
Paid Family Leave is insurance, fully paid for by employees, that provides job-protected, paid time off to bond with a newly born, fostered, or adopted child; care for a family member with a serious health condition; or assist a spouse, domestic partner, child, or parent who is deployed abroad on active military service. Most employees of private employers in New York State are covered by NYS Paid Family Leave, while public employers can voluntarily opt-in to provide the benefit.
Since NYS Paid Family Leave began in 2018, benefits have been significantly enhanced to further improve the lives of working New Yorkers and their families, including more time off, more uses for Paid Family Leave, and more financial security. In 2023, Paid Family Leave was expanded to include caring for a sibling with a serious health condition.