BUFFALO, NY — On New Year's Day, a new law will take effect in New York State.
That's the deadline for private employers to start offering Paid Family Leave to their employees.
"We're going to make it the law of the land, we're going to get it done this April," said Gov. Andrew Cuomo in February of last year, at a rally in Buffalo on Paid Family Leave. Now, it's time for the law of the land to get underway.
Jan. 1, 2018 is the deadline for private employers in the state — from pizza shops to nail salons to large corporations like Walmart and Home Depot — to obtain a Paid Family Leave insurance policy, which experts say can usually be part of a company's disability policy. Public employers, such as government agencies have the option of opting into the program.
"Paid Family Leave is required for all private employers in New York State with 1 or more employees," said Melissa Stewart, director of public information for the state Workers' Compensation Board.
Employers can go to the state's Department of Financial Services website, and select a state-approved insurance company. Once that's done, employees will have a small deduction from their paycheck weekly or bi-weekly to cover the Paid Family Leave policy premium. The deduction for this year -- is 0.126% of your weekly wage. For example, someone who earns $1,000 weekly — that's $1.26 taken from your check.
"One thing that is so important to remember is that the employers are not bearing the cost of this premium," Stewart said.
Which employees are eligible for the program?
Full-time workers with more than 20 hours per week, who have worked at their job for at least six months. And, part-time workers who have worked 175 days at their job.
"That is also who is eligible and who will be paying for the benefit," Stewart said.
Finally, what are the benefits?
Paid Family Leave can only be used for certain life events such as, the birth of a child or care for a sick family member. Employees can take up to eight weeks off work and receive 50 percent of their average weekly wage, which is capped at roughly $650 per week -- which is paid by the insurer, not the employer.
The state says there could be fines if a company doesn't comply. If someone is interested in this program, you can get an application from your employer which has to be sent to the insurance company. Approval or denial should be made within 18 days.