Employer Resources for NYS Paid Family Leave

New York State Workers' Compensation Board sent this bulletin at 11/18/2024 09:00 AM EST

Employer Resources for NYS Paid Family Leave

Since first launching in 2018, New York State Paid Family Leave (PFL) has provided critical benefits to improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of working New Yorkers and their families. As we look ahead to 2025, there are exciting updates to share!

New! 2025 employee contribution rate and weekly benefit

For 2025, the employee contribution rate will be 0.388% of an employee’s gross wages each pay period, capped at an annual maximum of $354.53. Employers may begin taking deductions at the new rate starting January 1, 2025.

Additionally, the maximum weekly benefit for employees taking PFL will rise to $1,177.32 for leave that begins on or after January 1, 2025. This is an increase of approximately $26 per week compared to 2024.

Employer resources

New York State offers resources to help employers communicate Paid Family Leave updates to employees.

Model Language for Employee Materials – Updated for 2025 – provides model language you can use, either in an employee handbook or other written materials, and customize based on your PFL policies and procedures.
Employee Notice of Paid Family Leave Payroll Deduction for 2025 – a template you can use to tell employees what their expected payroll deduction will be.
Statement of Rights for Paid Family Leave – outlines employees’ PFL rights and steps to apply.
PFL At-A-Glance – provides a snapshot of the benefit, along with information on who can request PFL and how.

In addition, the Workers’ Compensation Board will soon be announcing a series of webinars for employers/HR professionals that will provide an overview of PFL (including updates for 2025) and allow time for questions. Please watch for details.

More information

New York State offers complete details on PFL at PaidFamilyLeave.ny.gov, including a special page with updates for 2025, where you’ll find the above employer resources along with frequently asked questions and other information. Visit the employer page of the website for additional resources.