October 13, 2022

New York Paid Family Leave Changes

New York state implemented a Paid Family Leave (PFL) program in 2018. New York PFL provides up to 12 weeks of paid leave for the following:

  • Bonding with a new child.
  • Caring for a family member with a serious health condition.
  • Assisting loved ones due to deployment abroad of an active-duty service member.

New York recently announced two changes to the program – decreasing the contribution rate and increasing the maximum weekly benefit.

What is the Contribution Rate for New York Paid Family Leave for 2023?

The contribution rate for New York Paid Family Leave for 2023 is .455% of an employee’s wages each pay period. The amount cannot exceed $399.43. This new rate is a 10% reduction from the premium rate for 2022, which was 0.511% with a maximum employee contribution of $423.71.

If an employee’s contributions reach the new maximum of $399.43 before the end of the calendar year, then the employee will not be liable for any contributions in excess of this threshold. The change also provides that the 0.005% surcharge included in the rates for 2021 and 2022 to cover COVID-19 claims paid under the New York COVID-19 paid sick leave law will not be included in the 2023 rate.

What is the Maximum Weekly Benefit for New York Paid Family Leave for 2023?

The maximum weekly benefit for New York Paid Family Leave for 2023 is $1,131.08 per week. This is based on an increased New York State Average Weekly Wage (NYSAWW) of $1,688.19 (the maximum benefit under the program is calculated as 67% of the NYSAWW). This new rate is a $62.72 increase over 2022.

For more information, please visit the New York Paid Family Leave website.

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is not intended to be construed as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. Employers should closely monitor the rules and regulations specific to their jurisdiction(s) and should seek advice from counsel relative to their rights and responsibilities.

By Megan Butz
General Counsel, HR Compliance, Checkwriters
Megan joined Checkwriters in 2020 and is responsible for reviewing, revising, and implementing internal policies of the company, advising on human resource, employment, and labor matters, and monitoring and publishing state and federal legal updates to the Checkwriters News and Compliance Center for distribution to thousands of clients around the country. Before joining Checkwriters, Megan served as a judicial law clerk for the justices of the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court performing legal research and writing, followed by private practice in Cape Cod.

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