2021 PAID FAMILY LEAVE (PFL)

New York State has released the 2021 policy year information for Paid Family Leave coverage. Please note the following changes to maximum benefit, maximum covered wages, premium rate and maximum employee contribution for PFL for 2021.

New Maximum PFL Benefit

The maximum PFL benefit in 2021 will be increased to 67% of the employee's average weekly wage, not to exceed 67% of the statewide average weekly wage, which is $971.61 per week. The maximum allowable duration of a PFL claim will increase to 12 weeks. These changes for 2021 represent the fourth and final phase of the NYS PFL benefit implementation.

Year	Benefit %	Maximum Weekly Benefit Payout	Benefit Duration
2018	50%	$652.96	8 weeks
2019	55%	$746.41	10 weeks
2020	60%	$840.70	10 weeks
2021	67%	$971.61	12 weeks

https://www.dfs.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2020/09/pfl_rate_decision_2021.pdf

Maximum Covered Wages

The maximum covered wages for PFL contributions for 2021 have increased to $75,409. All eligible employee wages, including commissions and bonuses, up to $75,409 annually will be subject to premium charge.

Year	Maximum Annual Covered Payroll
2018	$67,908
2019	$70,570
2020	$72,860
2021	$75,409

https://labor.ny.gov/stats/avg_wkly_wage.shtm

Premium Rate / Maximum Employee Contribution

The PFL premium rate for 2021 has been increased to .5110% (.00511)

Year	Maximum Annual Covered Payroll	Premium Rate	Maximum Annual Employee Contribution
2018	$67,908	.00126	$85.56
2019	$70,570	.00153	$107.97
2020	$72,860	.00270	$196.72
2021	$75,409	.00511	$385.34

https://www.dfs.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2020/09/pfl_rate_decision_2021.pdf

When?

All changes are effective January 1, 2021.

Who?

Keep in mind that PFL, like DBL, is a required statutory coverage. All premium is paid through employee contributions. Failure to provide PFL coverage is subject to penalty by New York State.

We have begun the process of updating our systems to accommodate this new information. We feel confident that the transition into 2021 will be a smooth one. Policy documents will be available during the 4th quarter of 2020.