ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — Workers in New York will get higher Paid Family Leave benefits starting on January 1, according to the state’s Workers’ Compensation Board Chair, Clarissa Rodriguez. Eligible employees can receive up to $14,127.84 in total benefits, increasing by $313.92 from 2024.
Also starting on January 1, pregnant workers get more paid time off for prenatal care under the state’s separate Paid Sick Leave program.
New York’s Paid Family Leave gives employees up to 12 weeks of job-protected, paid time off to bond with a new child, care for a sick family member, or help loved ones during a family member’s overseas military deployment. The program keeps employees on their health insurance plan through work during leave, regardless of citizenship status, and protects them from discrimination or retaliation.
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Under the 2025 plan, employees taking leave will continue to receive 67% of their average weekly wage, capped at $1,177.32 per week—a $26.16 increase over 2024. This aligns with an updated New York State Average Weekly Wage (NYSAWW) of $1,757.19.
To fund these benefits, the annual cap on costs to employees will grow to $354.53, which is $21.18 more than in 2024. That’s a contribution of 0.388% of gross wages every pay period. Employees across the state fully fund Paid Family Leave through such payroll deductions.
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Anyone who makes less than the NYSAWW would also pay less. The Workers’ Compensation Board offers these examples:
Annual incomeWeekly incomeWeekly contributionWeekly benefitAnnual contributionMaximum benefit$27,000$519$2.01$347.73$104.52$4,172.76$52,000$1,000$3.88$670$201.76$8,040$91,300+$1,757.19+$6.82 (Capped)$1,177.32$354.53$14,127.84
The Workers’ Compensation Board has a Paid Family Leave website with a calculator to figure out how the rates affect you. They also operate a helpline on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at (844) 337-6303.
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Most private employees qualify for Paid Family Leave, as do public employees whose employers opt-in. Full-timers qualify after 26 weeks of work, while part-timers qualify after 175 days. Workers must give 30 days’ notice when possible and submit certain forms to their employer’s insurance carrier. The insurer then has 18 days to approve or deny benefits.
Workers’ Compensation Board also offers employers deduction templates, handbook language, and fact sheets. The Workers’ Compensation Board offers one-hour webinars to teach employers about changes to Family Medical Leave at noon on December 10, December 18, and January 14.
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