The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development's (NJDOL) Family Leave Insurance program allows you to partially replace your wages while caring for a loved one with a serious health condition or in situations involving domestic or sexual violence. This benefit provides financial stability, and while most workers are covered by the state plan, some employers offer it through private insurers. If you're unsure about your coverage, check with your employer.

Who counts as family?

The definition of "family member" is broad. You can take this leave to care for:

• Parents and in-laws
• Spouse or domestic partner
• Children of any age
• Brethren
• Grandparents and grandchildren
• Chosen family or other people related by blood or with whom you have recognized family ties

How to apply for benefits

A healthcare provider must certify that your family member needs your care. You can take the leave continuously or intermittently, depending on your needs.

The application can be submitted online, by mail or by fax, but the NJDOL recommends doing it online because it's faster. When you submit your portion of the application, you'll receive a unique identification number that you'll need to give to your family member's healthcare provider so they can complete the online medical certification.

Remember: It is your responsibility to ensure that medical information is submitted to the NJDOL within the established timeframes. If you plan ahead, you can begin your application up to 60 days before the start of your leave. If you apply after the start, you have 30 days from your first day of absence to submit your application.

Needed information

To complete your application, you will be asked to:

• Your Social Security number, date of birth, and contact information.
• The date your care leave begins.
• Information about your current employer and any jobs you've held in the past 18 months.
• Details of any paid time off received.
• Contact information for your family member's medical provider.

The healthcare provider must submit a medical certification confirming the need for care.

Tips to avoid delays

• Apply online and do not duplicate the application by mail or fax.
• Read all instructions before completing the form.
• Always include your Social Security number in correspondence.
• Use documents in legible PDF format, not photographs.
• Check your mail carefully: Your benefits debit card may arrive in a plain envelope that looks like junk mail.

To learn more about Family Leave Insurance, visit: https://www.nj.gov/labor/myleavebenefits/