To apply for Paid Family Leave (PFL) in New York, follow these steps:
- Notify Your Employer
Inform your employer at least 30 days in advance if you know when your leave will start. If 30 days’ notice is not possible (e.g., due to an emergency), notify them as soon as you can
- Find Out Your Employer’s PFL Insurance Carrier
Ask your employer or HR department who the insurance carrier is for Paid Family Leave. If you cannot find out, call the NY PFL helpline at (844) 337-6303
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Get the Required Forms
Download or obtain the necessary forms from your employer or the state website. The main form everyone must complete is the Request for Paid Family Leave (Form PFL-1). Additional forms depend on your reason for leave:- Bonding with a new child: Form PFL-2
- Caring for a family member with a serious health condition: Forms PFL-3 and PFL-4
- Military-related leave: Form PFL-5
- Complete the Employee Section of the Forms
Fill out your part of the PFL-1 form and any additional forms required for your specific leave type. Keep copies for your records
- Submit Forms to Your Employer
Give the completed forms to your employer. The employer must complete their section of the PFL-1 form and return it to you within 3 business days
- Send Completed Forms to the Insurance Carrier
Submit the fully completed forms and any supporting documentation (e.g., birth certificate, medical certification, military orders) to your employer’s PFL insurance carrier or to your employer if they are self-insured. You can usually submit by mail, fax, or email depending on the carrier’s instructions
- Wait for Claim Decision
The insurance carrier has up to 18 days to accept or deny your claim. You do not have to wait for this decision to start your leave
Additional Notes:
- Eligibility requires working for your employer for at least 26 consecutive weeks if you work 20 or more hours per week, or 175 days if less than 20 hours per week
- Keep copies of all submitted forms and correspondence for your records
For more detailed instructions and forms, visit the official New York State Paid Family Leave website or call the helpline at (844) 337-6303
