Benefits Schedule
Paid Family Leave was successfully phased in over four years and time off and wage benefits are now at their target levels. If you are eligible and have a qualifying event, you can take up to 12 weeks of job-protected, paid time off.
The wage benefit is 67 percent of your average weekly wage (AWW), capped at 67 percent of the Statewide Average Weekly Wage (SAWW). Generally, your AWW is the average of your last eight weeks of wages prior to taking PFL, including bonuses and commissions. The SAWW is updated annually.
For 2024, the maximum weekly benefit is $1,151.16. See the Updates for 2024 page for more details on what’s new for 2024.
If your average weekly wage is more than $100, the minimum benefit amount is $100. If your average weekly wage is less than $100, you will receive your full wages during a period of PFL. For example, if your average weekly wage is $125, your PFL benefit rate would be $100. If your average weekly wage is $40, your PFL benefit rate would be $40.
| Year | Weeks | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 8 weeks | 50% of employee's AWW, up to 50% of SAWW |
| 2019 | 10 weeks | 55% of employee's AWW, up to 55% of SAWW |
| 2020 | 10 weeks | 60% of employee's AWW, up to 60% of SAWW |
| 2021 and beyond | 12 weeks | 67% of employee's AWW, up to 67% of SAWW |
Getting Paid
In most cases, the insurance carrier will pay benefits or deny your claim within 18 days of receiving your completed request or your first day of leave, whichever is later. After the initial payment, payments are made biweekly. Your insurance carrier may provide options for how you will be paid, for example, via direct deposit, debit card or paper check.
Note: Pursuant to the Department of Tax Notice No. N-17-12 [PDF], Paid Family Leave benefits are taxable. Taxes will not automatically be withheld from benefits, but employees can request voluntary tax withholding. Questions related to the taxability of Paid Family Leave contributions should be referred to the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance.