NYS Paid Family LeaveNYS Paid Family Leave:  An Employers Checklist

Starting January 1, 2018, nearly all private employees in New York State will be eligible for Paid Family Leave.  Here is what you need to do now.

Make sure your PFL coverage is intact.

  • Generally, PFL insurance is added to the disability insurance policy an employer already carries. Contact your DBL carrier or insurance broker to get information about your PFL policy. If you are self-insured for disability, you may be able to purchase a separate PFL policy, or apply to self-insure. (Not all carriers will allow purchase of a PFL policy unless there is a DBL policy in place.)

Post Notices

  • Your insurance carrier will provide a Notice of Compliance stating you have PFL insurance.
  • If you are self-insured, contact the Board at Certificates@wcb.ny.gov to obtain the required notice.
  • Post your Notice of Compliance  in a conspicuous place at the work site.

Inform Your Employees

  • Update appropriate written materials such as employee handbooks to incorporate PFL information.
  • If you do not have an employee handbook, you must provide written guidance to employees regarding their rights and obligations under PFL. This must include information on how to request leave.

Update Your Payroll Process

  • Update your internal payroll process or work with your external payroll vendor to collect the employee payroll withholdings or contributions that pay for the insurance. Use the ny.gov/pflcalculator to get an estimate of employee’s weekly deduction.

Inform Non-Eligible Employees About Waivers

  • Identify employees who will not qualify for eligibility and inform them they can waive coverage.
  • Employees will need to complete an opt-out waiver form. This form is available at ny.gov/PaidFamilyLeave.
  • Employers must keep a copy of the completed waivers in the employee’s file.

Familiarize Yourself with PFL Forms and Resources

  • PFL request and waiver forms will be available in the forms section of the NYPFL website, or from your carrier.
  • Consider subscribing to NYS PFL updates through the NYS website or your carrier’s website.

For more tips and considerations on NY Paid Family Leave, read What to consider while you prepare.