{"id":357736,"date":"2016-04-04T10:45:26","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:45:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/employment\/family-medical-leave\/new-jersey-family-leave-insurance.html"},"modified":"2023-12-27T11:56:29","modified_gmt":"2023-12-27T16:56:29","slug":"new-jersey-family-leave-insurance","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/family-medical-leave\/new-jersey-family-leave-insurance.html","title":{"rendered":"New Jersey Family Leave Insurance"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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New Jersey Family Leave Insurance<\/h1>\n
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\n By Lisa Burden, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aviana Cooper, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

New Jersey has some of the most progressive leave laws in the country. The Garden State was among the first states to provide paid time off. New Jersey mandated paid family leave in 2009. <\/p>\r\n

But with several laws in place, navigating the complex landscape of leave laws in New Jersey can be challenging. From paid family leave to paid sick leave to temporary disability insurance and even unpaid leave, New Jersey offers a range of options that provide workers time away from work to care for themselves and their loved ones. <\/p>\r\n

Whether it’s bonding with a new child, caring for an ill family member, or addressing personal health issues, New Jersey’s leave laws are designed to offer support and flexibility.<\/p>\r\n

This guide breaks down key leave entitlements for New Jersey workers so you can understand your rights.<\/p>\r\n

New Jersey Paid Family Leave<\/h2>\r\n

New Jersey’s paid family leave insurance<\/a> provides workers with 12 consecutive weeks of family leave or up to 56 days of intermittent leave. This leave is for the care of newly adopted children and newborns as well as family members and loved ones with a serious health condition. This insurance plan doesn’t apply to the worker’s individual health needs.<\/p>\r\n

You can get 85% of your average weekly wage while on leave, up to a weekly benefit amount. The maximum weekly benefit rate in 2023 is $1,025. The maximum duration of benefits is six weeks within a 12-month period.<\/p>\r\n

There are wage requirements. You must pay into the state’s family leave insurance program via payroll deductions. You must have earned at least $260 weekly for 20 weeks or $13,000 in the base year period, which is about 18 months before taking leave.<\/p>\r\n

Employers with an approved private plan don’t have to comply with the state plan. But the private plan must provide equal or better benefits.<\/p>\r\n

Qualifying Reasons for New Jersey Paid Family Leave<\/h2>\r\n

Employees who pay into the New Jersey Family Leave Insurance plans can use the plan for specific, strictly determined family and medical circumstances.<\/p>\r\n

The following are qualifying reasons for leave:<\/p>\r\n