The New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) announced updates to the state-wide paid family leave benefit program for 2022.  As a reminder, The New York paid family leave law provides paid time off for baby bonding, to care for a family member, or military exigency, see summary here.  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.

The paid family leave benefit is fully funded by employees through a payroll deduction. At its discretion, the employer can choose to pay all or a portion of the cost of the program.   

Beginning January 1, 2022:

• Eligible employees are entitled to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave. 
• The contribution amount will remain the same as 2021 at 0.511% of an employee’s gross wages each pay period, with a maximum annual contribution cap of $423.71 for 2022 ($385.34 for 2021).  Employees earning less than the current statewide average weekly wage of $1,594.57 (for 2022) will contribute less than the annual cap, consistent with their actual wages. 
• The benefit amount will remain the same as 2021 at 67% of an individual’s average weekly wage, up to a cap of 67% of the current statewide average weekly wage amount.  The maximum weekly benefit for 2022 will be $1,068.36.   For 2021, the maximum weekly benefit is $971.61.

Updated Employer Resources.  The DFS provides updated materials and templates to assist employers in communicating these 2022 updates to their workforce, including:

• PFL At-A-Glance for 2022
• Model Language for Employee Materials (updated for 2022)
• Employee Notice of Paid Family Leave Payroll Deduction for 2022
• Statement of Rights for Paid Family Leave (PFL-271S) for 2022

Additional information about the New York Paid Family Leave Program is available on the state’s dedicated webpage.

The information contained in this Benefit Beat is not intended to be legal, accounting, or other professional advice, nor are these comments directed to specific situations. This information is provided as general guidance and may be affected by changes in law or regulation. This information is not intended to replace or substitute for accounting or other professional advice. You must consult your own attorney or tax advisor for assistance in specific situations. This information is provided as-is, with no warranties of any kind. CBIZ shall not be liable for any damages whatsoever in connection with its use and assumes no obligation to inform the reader of any changes in laws or other factors that could affect the information contained herein.