Here’s what you should know about NJFLI, NJFLA, & FMLA. What’s the difference, and how does each apply:
NEW JERSEY FAMILY LEAVE INSURANCE (NJFLI)
Benefits if you are bonding with a newborn, newly adopted, newly placed foster child, caring for a loved one with a serious physical or mental health condition including COVID-19, or handling certain matters related to domestic/sexual violence.
Must have earned $12,000 total or $240 weekly for 20 weeks total in employment in 18 months prior to the start of a claim.
This benefit is a “wage supplement” without job protection.
Entitles certain employees to take up to 12 weeks of family leave in a 24-month period without losing their jobs. With some exceptions;
The EMPLOYER has at least 50 employees (or at least 30 employees as of June 30, 2019) or is a government entity, regardless of size.
The EMPLOYEE has worked for that employer for at least one year and has worked at least 1,000 hours during the last 12 months.
The LEAVE OF ABSENCE is being taken to care for or bond with a child within 1 year of the child’s birth, placement for adoption or foster care, care for a family member, or someone who is the equivalent of a family member who has a serious health condition.
The New Jersey Family Leave Act does not provide leave for the employee’s own health condition.
Go to www.nj.gov for more information on eligibility and notification to the employer.
FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE ACT (FMLA)- Federal
Provides up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave which can be used all at once or a minimum of one (1) hour increments.
You must have worked at least 12 months including at least 1,250 hours during the most recent 12 months.
Guarantees eligible employees maintain their Health Insurance benefits while out on leave.
Guarantees that an employee who returns to work will be given their previous position or an equivalent job with the same salary benefits and other conditions of employment.
Go to www.dol.gov for more information about eligibility requirements.
