On September 1, 2020, the New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) published the new premium rate for Paid Family Leave (PFL) benefits for the calendar year 2021.  

The maximum contribution rate will be set at 0.511% of the employee’s gross annualized wages, which includes a 0.005% risk adjustment for COVID-19 quarantine claims.  

With the New York State Average Weekly Wage (NYSAWW) capped at $75,408.84 (based on the new New York State Average Weekly Wage (NYSAWW) – learn more here), the maximum employee contribution is set at  $385.34 per employee for 2021.

2021 is the fourth year of the 4-year phase-in of the Paid Family Leave benefits in New York. It means that benefit duration for 2021 and going forward will be 12 weeks.

Maximum weekly benefit rate for 2021 and for each next year will be 67% of the employee’s Average Weekly Wage capped at 67% of the NYSAWW ( in 2021 max $971.61/week).

Download a copy of the official announcement from New York State here.