Family Leave Insurance in NJ: What You Need to Know

Family leave insurance in New Jersey is a powerful tool for employees who need time off to care for a family member or bond with a new child. The state’s family leave insurance program provides partial wage replacement for eligible workers, allowing them to take up to 12 weeks of leave per year without worrying about lost income.

What is Family Leave Insurance?

Family leave insurance, often called FLI, is a type of insurance that provides income replacement for employees who need to take time off from work to care for a family member, to bond with a new child, or because they are the victim of domestic or sexual violence. In New Jersey, FLI is also known as Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI).

New Jersey’s family leave insurance program is funded by employee payroll deductions. Most workers in the state are required to contribute a small percentage of their wages to the program. This contribution allows them to receive partial wage replacement when they take leave.

Who is Eligible for Family Leave Insurance in NJ?

Most employees in New Jersey are eligible for family leave insurance if they meet the following criteria:

Criteria
Requirements
Employment
Must have worked for a New Jersey employer for at least 20 calendar weeks in the current or previous year and have earned at least $220 weekly.
Leave Reasons
Must be taking leave to care for a seriously ill family member, to bond with a new child, or because of domestic or sexual violence. Some employees may also be eligible for FLI when they are the victim of a violent crime.

Employees who are self-employed or who work as independent contractors are not eligible for family leave insurance in New Jersey.

How Much Wage Replacement Does Family Leave Insurance in NJ Provide?

The amount of wage replacement that employees receive through family leave insurance in New Jersey varies depending on their weekly earnings. Currently, employees can receive up to 85% of their average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $903 per week.

For example, if an employee earns an average of $1,000 per week, they would receive $850 per week in wage replacement through FLI. If an employee earns an average of $500 per week, they would receive $425 per week in wage replacement.

How to Apply for Family Leave Insurance in NJ

If you need to take family leave in New Jersey, you can apply for family leave insurance through the state’s Department of Labor and Workforce Development. To apply, you will need to:

  1. Fill out an application for family leave insurance
  2. Provide medical certification of your need for leave (if applicable)
  3. Provide proof of your relationship to the family member you are caring for (if applicable)
  4. Provide proof of your income and employment history

Applications for family leave insurance can be completed online or by mail. Once your application is approved, you will begin receiving wage replacement payments for the duration of your leave.

Advantages of Family Leave Insurance in NJ

There are many advantages to taking advantage of family leave insurance in New Jersey:

  • Financial stability: Employees who take family leave often face lost wages and financial instability. Family leave insurance ensures that employees can take the time they need to care for their families without worrying about their finances.
  • Job protection: Employees who take family leave are protected from retaliation or discrimination by their employers. Your job is secure while you are on leave.
  • Better health outcomes: Caring for a sick family member or bonding with a new child can be stressful. Family leave insurance allows employees to take the time they need to prioritize their health and well-being.
  • Family bonding: Bonding with a new child or supporting a sick family member is important for family relationships. Family leave insurance ensures that employees can take the time they need to strengthen their families.

FAQs: Family Leave Insurance in NJ

Q: Can I take family leave if I work part-time?

A: Yes. As long as you meet the employment and wage requirements, you are eligible for family leave insurance in New Jersey regardless of whether you work full-time or part-time.

Q: Can I take family leave if I just started my job?

A: No. In order to be eligible for family leave insurance, you must have worked for a New Jersey employer for at least 20 calendar weeks in the current or previous year.

Q: Can I use family leave if I am adopting a child?

A: Yes. Bonding with a newly adopted child is a valid reason to take family leave insurance in New Jersey.

Q: Can I take family leave if I am caring for a grandparent?

A: Yes. Family leave insurance in New Jersey allows employees to take time off to care for their grandparents as well as other family members.

Q: How long can I take family leave in NJ?

A: Employees in New Jersey can take up to 12 weeks of family leave per year.

Conclusion

Family leave insurance in New Jersey is an important benefit for employees who need time off to care for their families. Whether you are supporting a sick family member or bonding with a new child, family leave insurance ensures that you can take the time you need without worrying about lost wages or job security. To learn more about family leave insurance in New Jersey, contact the state’s Department of Labor and Workforce Development.