This is to update you on the mandatory New York State Paid Family Leave policy signed into law by Governor Cuomo which was effective January 1, 2018. Rensselaer, along with nearly all private sector employers in New York State, offered the mandated New York State Paid Family Leave (PFL) benefit to covered employees in accordance with the New York State Paid Family Leave Program.

The general provisions of the New York State Paid Family Leave provides eligible  staff with job-protected, paid leave to bond with a new child, care for a loved one with a serious health condition, or to help relieve family pressures when someone is called to active military service abroad.

Effective January 1, 2019, covered staff are eligible for up to 10 weeks of paid leave equal to 55 percent of their average weekly wage, up to a cap of $746.41 per week. Benefits will be phased in each year through 2021, when covered staff will be eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid leave equal to 67 percent of their average weekly wage up to a cap equal to 67 percent of the New York State average weekly wage. Paid Family Leave can only be taken in whole day increments. All other leave benefits such as Paid Time Off or New York State Short Term Disability benefits cannot be taken in the same day as Paid Family Leave.

The cost of the mandatory New York State Paid Family Leave will be paid for in full by employee payroll tax deductions.  For the 2019 calendar year, the New York Department of Financial Services has set PFL premium tax rates equal to 0.153% of gross wages paid up to a maximum of $107.97 for the year. For example, a covered employee who earns $1,000 in a pay period would be required to contribute $1.53 in PFL tax premiums for that pay period.

The New York State Paid Family Leave Program does exclude all employees on the Hartford, CT campus and all Rensselaer faculty. Therefore, no payroll tax deduction will be withheld from Hartford Campus employees and members of the Rensselaer faculty.

A notice from HR provides detailed information on the New York State Paid Family Leave benefits, eligibility, cost, and eligibility to waive the benefit.

Should you have any questions regarding the New York State Paid Family Leave Program, please contact Mr. Louis Padula by email to padull@rpi.edu or by phone at (518) 276-6164.