New York State Paid Family Leave
State Plan Details
In 2016, New York enacted the nation’s strongest and most comprehensive Paid Family Leave policy so working families would not have to choose between caring for their loved ones and risking their economic security. Virtually all employers in New York State must provide disability and Paid Family Leave benefits coverage for their employees (WCL §202). An employer, who has had in New York State employment, one or more employees on each of at least 30 days in any calendar year, shall be a "covered employer" subject to the Disability Benefits Law after the expiration of four weeks following the 30th day of such employment (WCL §202). These 30 days of employment need not be consecutive days but must be work days of employment in one calendar year
What qualifying events could a worker use leave for?
- bond with a newly born, adopted or fostered child
- care for a family member with a serious health condition
- assist loved ones when a spouse, domestic partner, child or parent is deployed abroad on active military service.
- Paid Family Leave may also be available in some situations when an employee or their minor, dependent child is under an order of quarantine or isolation due to COVID-19.
Paid Family Leave also provides: job protection, continued health insurance, and protection from discrimination or retaliation.
Private Plan Rules
f an employer in New York wants to opt out of the state's Paid Family Leave (PFL) program and provide a private plan instead, they need to follow these steps:
- Obtain Private Coverage: Employers must obtain private Paid Family Leave insurance. This can be done by contacting an insurance broker or directly purchasing a policy from an insurer. If the employer is self-insured for disability, they can apply to the NYS Workers’ Compensation Board to self-insure for Paid Family Leave.
- Post a Notice of Compliance: Once the private coverage is obtained, the employer must post a Notice of Compliance in a visible location. This notice should include information about the private insurance carrier.
- Inform Employees: Employers need to inform their employees about the private Paid Family Leave plan. This information should be included in employee handbooks or other written materials1.
- Maintain Records: Employers must keep records of their private Paid Family Leave coverage and ensure compliance with state regulations.
Get a Proposal
Landsman Insurance Services can assist you in obtaining Private Plan proposals from highly rated insurance companies authorized to issue Private Plans in Colorado. Contact us or Book an appointment to discuss your company's options. You may also create a request for proposal by completing the Private Plan Request for Proposal form. Once the form is completed we will contact you shortly.