NYS Workers' Compensation Board Chair Freida D. Foster Announces NYS Paid Family Leave Updates for 2026

Free resources available for employers, including upcoming webinars

New York State Workers' Compensation Board Chair Freida D. Foster announced that starting January 1, 2026, New Yorkers taking Paid Family Leave may receive up to $14,742 in total benefits - an increase of over $614 from 2025.  NYS Paid Family Leave provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of job-protected, paid time off to bond with a new child, care for a family member with a serious health condition, or to assist loved ones when a family member is deployed abroad on active military service.

"For the ninth year and counting, hard-working New Yorkers don't have to sacrifice financial security to be there for family in times of need, thanks to our strong Paid Family Leave program," said NYS Workers' Compensation Board Chair Freida D. Foster.  "No one should have to choose between a paycheck and caring for a loved one.”

Employees taking Paid Family Leave receive 67% of their average weekly wage, up to a cap of 67% of the current New York State Average Weekly Wage (NYSAWW), which is $1,833.63 for 2026.  This means the maximum weekly benefit will be $1,228.53 and the total possible maximum benefit to an employee is $14,742.36.  Beginning January 1, 2026, employees will contribute 0.432% of their gross wages per pay period to pay for Paid Family Leave, with a maximum annual contribution of $411.91 (0.432% of the NYSAWW).  Employees earning less than the NYSAWW will contribute less than the annual cap of $411.91, consistent with their actual wages.

Resources for Employers/HR Professionals

To help employers understand the NYS Paid Family Leave updates and share information with their employees, the Board has created a number of employer resources, including a deduction notice template, language for employee handbooks, and fact sheets, which are available in the Employer Resources section of paidfamilyleave.ny.gov/2026.  Additionally, the Board is hosting a new series of webinars to help employers, HR professionals, and workers learn more about Paid Family Leave, including the updates for 2026.  These free one-hour webinars include time at the end for participant questions.

PFL Webinars for Employers/HR Professionals
November 18, 2025 Register
December 11, 2025 Register

PFL Webinar for Workers
December 10, 2025 Register

About NYS Paid Family Leave

NYS Paid Family Leave is insurance, fully paid for by employees, that provides job-protected, paid time off to care for family in times of need.  Most employees of private employers in New York State are covered for NYS Paid Family Leave, while public employers can voluntarily opt in to provide the benefit.  Since NYS Paid Family Leave was first implemented in 2018, benefits have been significantly enhanced to further improve the lives of working New Yorkers and their families, including higher benefits, more time off, and more eligible events and family members.

More information

Complete details on NYS Paid Family Leave are available at PaidFamilyLeave.ny.gov.  There is also a special page with updates for 2026 that includes benefit and deduction calculators, answers to frequently asked questions, and other resources.  Help is also available via a toll-free Paid Family Leave Helpline at (844) 337-6303, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.