New York

Navigating paid family leave in New York
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PFL in New York

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Birthing parents

Start here if you're giving birth.

If you're giving birth, you may need to file for the one or all of these programs.

Short-term disability insurance (STD): if you have an employer policy (ask HR or refer to your employee handbook)
Paid Family Leave (PFL)
Optional: Short-term Disability - birthing partners may also choose to file for short-term disability benefits through the state of New York. Short-term disability benefits are separate from PFL and must be filed separately. Short-term disability and PFL cannot be taken at the same time, and the combined total cannot exceed 26 weeks in a 52-week period.
PFL is a wage replacement programs and does not guarantee leave. For questions about leave eligibility, contact your employer.

Paid Family Leave (PFL)

Click Here to Apply
Tips for Applying
Apply for PFL as soon as possible once you have left work.  

Prepare to wait. After you file for PFL, you may need to wait a few weeks for the state to approve your application with the amount they’ll pay.

Provide confirmation of your weekly benefit rate to your employer or leave and claims administrator.  If your company works with Parento, also provide a copy to your Parento Leave Administrator.   

Your company may choose not to pay you paid parental leave while you’re waiting for the approval from the state for PFL. While you may be eligible for parental leave pay, you may see a delay.  If you have concerns, reach out to your company.   
Who should apply?
Birthing and non-birthing parents should apply.
How much time is available?
Up to 12 weeks in the 52 week period following the qualifying event (birth, adoption or foster placement).
When will benefits begin?
Once you have left work, you can file for NY PFL benefits. If approved, benefits are payable on day 1.
How much of my pay does PFL cover?
Approximately 67% of your average weekly wage, up to a weekly maximum $1,131.08 (as of 2023).
When am I eligible for PFL?
You may file for Paid Family Leave following a parental leave qualifying event.  Generally, this is after the birth or placement of child.  
What to Expect
Once you have left work, you may file for NY PFL. Complete the forms available through this link from the state of New York: Apply for PFL.  To complete your claim, you must provide a copy of birth verification, such as a birth certificate or document that verifies the relationship between you and the child. For more information about NY PFL benefits, please visit Paid Family Leave for Bonding. 

Optional: if you are the birthing parent, you may also choose to apply forShort-term Disability benefits through New York State while you are recovering from pregnancy disability. This benefit cannot be taken at the same time as PFL, and you must submit a separate request. Please visitPregnancy and Maternity Leave for more information. 

If your employer has a private STD policy, you must also file a claim for these benefits, even if you choose not to file for short-term Disability with New York State. For instructions on filing for STD benefits, contact your employer.  

Your company will pay the difference between what you receive from STD, PFL and/or Short-term disability, and the limits of the paid parental leave policy.  It is important that you file for these benefits as soon as possible to avoid delays in pay. 
Example Payroll for Birthing Parent
Birthing parent eligible for STD, PFL and 14 weeks of paid parental leave. 

Numbers, figures, and projections are estimates only and may not be applicable to you. Consult with your employer or your state's labor office for more information.
Non-birthing parents

Start here if you're the dad, spouse, adoptive, or foster parent.

If you are not the birthing parent, you only have to apply for Paid Family Leave (PFL).

PFL is a wage replacement programs and does not guarantee leave. For questions about leave eligibility, contact your employer.

Paid Family Leave (PFL)

Click Here to Apply
Tips for Applying
Apply for PFL as soon as possible once you have left work.  

Prepare to wait. After you file for PFL, you may need to wait a few weeks for the state to approve your application with the amount they’ll pay.

Provide confirmation of your weekly benefit rate to your employer or leave and claims administrator.  If your company works with Parento, also provide a copy to your Parento Leave Administrator.   

Your company may choose not to pay you paid parental leave while you’re waiting for the approval from the state for PFL. While you may be eligible for parental leave pay, you may see a delay.  If you have concerns, reach out to your company.   
Who should apply?
Birthing and non-birthing parents should apply.
How much time is available?
Up to 12 weeks in the 52 week period following the qualifying event (birth, adoption or foster placement).
When will benefits begin?
Once you have left work, you can file for NY PFL benefits. If approved, benefits are payable on day 1.
How much of my pay does PFL cover?
Approximately 67% of your average weekly wage, up to a weekly maximum $1,131.08 (as of 2023).
When am I eligible for PFL?
You may file for Paid Family Leave following a parental leave qualifying event.  Generally, this is after the birth or placement of child.  
What to Expect
Once you have left work, you may file for NY PFL. Complete the forms available through this link from the state of New York: Apply for PFL.  To complete your claim, you must provide a copy of birth verification, such as a birth certificate or document that verifies the relationship between you and the child. For more information about NY PFL benefits, please visit Paid Family Leave for Bonding. 

Your company will pay the difference between what you receive from PFL and the limits of the paid parental leave policy.  It is important that you file for these benefits as soon as possible to avoid delays in pay. 
Example Payroll for Non-Birthing Parent
Non-birthing parent eligible for PFL and 14 weeks of paid parental leave.

Numbers, figures, and projections are estimates only and may not be applicable to you. Consult with your employer or your state's labor office for more information.

Explore other state PFL guides