Resources Include Model Language and Statement of Rights

New York State has released additional Paid Family Leave (PFL) resources for employers.

PFL Resources

The following resources (among others) are now available:

• Model Language for Employee Materials: Employers are required to inform their employees about their PFL rights, either in an employee handbook or other written materials. The Model Language for Employee Materials document provides compliant language employers can use and customize based on their PFL policies and procedures. The document also lists topics that employee materials should include.
  Note: These materials are not offered as legal advice. '''It is strongly advised that employers have their company attorneys review the drafts before employee distribution.
• Statement of Rights for Paid Family Leave: Employers must provide the Statement of Rights for Paid Family Leave''' to employees when they take PFL or take time off from work for a PFL-qualifying event, but have not requested PFL. Employers may also provide this form to all employees to educate them about PFL.

Click here for additional PFL forms for employees, employers, and insurance carriers. The state anticipates more PFL forms to be released.

Background

New York State has enacted a PFL law, to be phased in beginning January 1, 2018, that will apply to employers of all sizes. When the law is fully phased in over the next several years, employees will be eligible for 12 weeks of paid, job-protected leave when certain life events occur. During any period of family leave, employers are required to maintain any existing health benefits of eligible employees in force for the duration of such leave. Click here for additional details.

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