The New York Paid Family Leave (PFL) Program provides partial pay for employees who take time off due to covered family situations. In 2026, paid family leave benefits are improving for employees. However, employee contributions are also increasing again.
Qualifying Circumstances
PFL provides up to 12 weeks of job-protected time off to:
- Bond with a newborn, an adopted child, or a child in foster care;
- Care for a family member with a serious health condition; or
- Assist with family situations when a spouse, domestic partner, child, or parent is deployed on active military duty.
Covered Family Members
Family care leave covers caring for a spouse, domestic partner, child, parent, parent-in-law, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild with a serious health condition.
Employee Contributions
Even though benefits are expanding to cover more family members this year, the employee contribution rate for PFL is decreasing. For 2026, employees will contribute 0.432% of their gross wages per pay period. The maximum annual contribution for 2026 is $411.91, which is $57.38 more than in 2024.
2026 Paid Family Leave Benefits
The maximum weekly benefit for employees taking PFL will also increase in 2025. Eligible employees receive 67% of their average weekly wage up to a cap of 67% of the New York State Average Weekly Wage (AWW). The 2026 AWW is $1,833.63, making the maximum weekly benefit $1,228.53, which is $51.21 more than the maximum weekly benefit for 2025.
Preparing for 2026 Paid Family Leave Increases
Companies should confirm their 2026 paid family leave premiums with their insurance carriers. Then ensure next year’s payroll includes the correct contribution rates.
If your paid family leave policy reflected specific rates for paid family leave in 2025 (or earlier), you should update that information.
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