New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA)
Under the NJFLA, eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave within a 24-month period for specific family-related reasons, including:
- Bonding with a newborn or newly adopted child
- Caring for a family member with a serious health condition
To qualify for leave under NJFLA, the employee must work for an employer with at least 30 employees and have worked for that employer for at least 12 months, accumulating at least 1,000 hours of work during that time. NJFLA does not cover personal medical conditions, but it does ensure job protection, meaning employees must be reinstated to their position or an equivalent one after their leave ends.
Family Leave Insurance (FLI)
In addition to unpaid leave, New Jersey’s FLI program offers partial wage replacement for employees who need time off to care for a loved one or bond with a new child. Eligible employees can receive benefits for up to 12 weeks to:
- Bond with a new child within the first year of birth or adoption
- Care for a family member with a serious health condition
To qualify, employees must have worked a certain amount of time and earned a minimum amount of wages during the previous year. FLI benefits provide financial support while on leave, helping workers maintain financial stability during family emergencies.
Applying for Leave
To take leave under the NJFLA or FLI, employees must give their employer 30 days’ notice for foreseeable leave (such as childbirth or adoption). For unforeseen events like a sudden illness, employees should notify their employer as soon as possible.
Conclusion
New Jersey’s family leave laws offer significant protections and benefits for employees balancing work and family responsibilities. Whether you need time off to bond with a child or care for a sick family member, NJFLA ensures job security, while FLI provides wage replacement to help cover financial needs during your leave. Understanding your rights under these laws can help you make informed decisions about taking leave when your family needs it most.