Family Leave Insurance for victims/survivors of domestic violence and their caregivers

If you need to take time off work to deal with certain issues related to domestic or sexual violence, you can collect Family Leave Insurance benefits. Family leave supports employees who are victim/survivors, or assisting a victim/survivor. To learn more, visit: myleavebenefits.nj.gov/keepingnjsafe.

If you are unemployed

If you have a loved one to care for, it's been more than 14 days since your last day of work, and you're not on employer-approved leave, you may be entitled to Family Leave Insurance. For more information visit: myleavebenefits.nj.gov/unemployed.

Family Leave Insurance to bond with a new child

Family Leave Insurance provides benefits to parents who stop working to bond with a newborn, newborn, adopted child, or newly placed foster child. Parents who give birth can also receive Temporary Disability Insurance benefits when they stop working before giving birth and while they recover. More information in
myleavebenefits.nj.gov.

Covered Employers and Employees

Employers, including local governments (for example, counties, municipalities, and school districts) must participate in the State Family Leave Insurance Plan and deduct their payroll taxes for it, or provide a private plan. The federal government is exempt. Generally, employees who work a significant amount of time outside of NJ are not covered, but it is recommended that they apply to find out if they are eligible. If a private plan is covered, contact your employer for more information and an application.

employment protection

Family Leave Insurance is a wage replacement program and does not provide employment protection. However, your job may be protected by the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or the Security and Financial Empowerment (SAFE) Act.

Additionally, if an employer retaliates against you for taking or attempting to take Family Leave benefits, you have the right to take private legal action.

For more, please visit myleavebenefits.nj.gov/jobprotection.