Search

New York Paid Family Leave Benefit Level and Premium Rate Updates Announced for 2022

Once again, the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) updated its Paid Family Leave (PFL) employee premium rate and benefit level information for 2022.

For 2022, the PFL benefit level will remain at 67% of an employee’s wages for up to 12 weeks. However, the statewide average weekly wage will increase from $1,450.17/week to $1,594.57/week. This means that the maximum PFL benefit in 2022 will be $1,068.36/week (up from $971.61/week in 2021).

Additionally, although the employee premium rate will remain at 0.511% of gross wages, the maximum annual employee contribution will be capped at $423.71/year (up from $385.34/year in 2021).  

COMPARISON OF PFL PROGRAM BENEFITS AND RATES 2018-2022

 

Weeks of PFL Available

Statewide Average Weekly Wage

Benefit Rate

Maximum Weekly Benefit

Premium Rate

Maximum Annual Employee Contribution

2018

8

$1,305.92

50%

$652.96

0.126%

$85.56

2019

10

$1,357.11

55%

$746.41

0.153%

$107.97

2020

10

$1,401.17

60%

$840.70

0.270%

$196.72

2021

12

$1,450.17

67%

$971.61

0.511%

$385.34

2022

12

$1,594.57

67%

$1,068.36

0.511%

$423.71

To prepare for the 2022 changes, employers will want to coordinate with their payroll providers to make sure that the new employee contribution cap will be applied beginning January 1, 2022.  To the extent any written employment policy documents include the specific PFL benefit or deduction levels, employers will also need to consider updating this information for 2022.

The Department of Financial Service’s full publication announcing its decision on the premium rate for Paid Family Leave Benefits and the maximum employee contribution for coverage is available here: https://www.dfs.ny.gov/apps_and_licensing/health_insurers/pfl_rate_decision_2022

Harter Secrest & Emery’s Labor and Employment attorneys are here to answer any questions you may have regarding these changes or New York’s Paid Family Leave Benefits Law generally.  Please contact any Labor and Employment team member at 585.232.6500 or 716.853.1616.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This publication is provided as a service to clients and friends of Harter Secrest & Emery LLP. It is intended for general information purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The contents are neither an exhaustive discussion nor do they purport to cover all developments in the area. The reader should consult with legal counsel to determine how applicable laws relate to specific situations. ©2021 Harter Secrest & Emery LLP