New Jersey Family Leave Insurance

New Jersey family leave insurance is a program that provides paid leave benefits to eligible individuals who need to take time off from work to care for a family member or to bond with a new child. This article will provide an overview of the program and its eligibility requirements, as well as answer common questions and provide helpful resources.

What is New Jersey Family Leave Insurance?

New Jersey Family Leave Insurance is a program that provides paid leave benefits to eligible individuals who need to take time off from work to care for a family member or to bond with a new child. The program is administered by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development and is funded through employee payroll deductions. Benefits are paid out on a weekly basis and can be used for up to 12 weeks within a 12-month period.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for New Jersey family leave insurance, you must meet the following criteria:

Criteria
Requirements
Employment
You must be employed in the State of New Jersey for at least 20 weeks and have earned at least $220 per week.
Family Member
You must need time off to care for a family member with a serious health condition or to bond with a new child within the first year of birth or adoption.
Notification
You must provide your employer with at least 30 days’ notice before the leave begins, or as soon as practicable if the need for leave is unforeseeable.
Documentation
You may be required to provide documentation to support your claim, such as a doctor’s note or birth certificate.

If you meet these eligibility requirements, you may be eligible to receive benefits through New Jersey family leave insurance.

How to Apply for Benefits

To apply for benefits through New Jersey family leave insurance, you must complete and submit an application to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. You can complete the application online or by mail, and you must include any required documentation to support your claim. Once your application is received, it will be reviewed by the department and you will be notified of your eligibility status within a few weeks.

FAQ

What is the waiting period for benefits?

There is a seven-day waiting period before benefits can be paid out. During this time, you may use any accrued sick or vacation time to continue receiving pay. If you do not have any accrued time off, you will have to wait until the eighth day to begin receiving benefits.

How much are the benefits?

The amount of benefits you can receive through New Jersey family leave insurance is based on a percentage of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum benefit amount determined by the state. For 2021, the maximum weekly benefit amount is $903.

Can I take intermittent leave?

Yes, you may take intermittent leave if you need to care for a family member with a serious health condition or to bond with a new child. However, you must provide your employer with at least 15 days’ notice before the leave begins, or as soon as practicable if the need for leave is unforeseeable.

Can I use other forms of leave in addition to family leave insurance?

Yes, you may use any accrued sick, vacation, or personal time off in addition to family leave insurance. However, you cannot use these forms of leave to supplement the benefits you receive through family leave insurance, as this is considered double dipping.

Do I have job protection while on family leave insurance?

Yes, you have job protection while on family leave insurance. Your employer must hold your job open for you, or offer you a similar position, when you return from leave. If your employer does not do so, you may have legal recourse.

Conclusion

New Jersey family leave insurance is a valuable resource for employees who need to take time off from work to care for a family member or to bond with a new child. By understanding the eligibility requirements, application process, and benefits available, you can make the most of this program and ensure that you and your family are taken care of during times of need.