New Jersey Leave Laws: NJFLA, FLI, and Sick Leave Guide
Quick Answer: New Jersey provides comprehensive leave protections. NJFLA offers 12 weeks job-protected leave at employers with 30+ employees. Family Leave Insurance (FLI) provides paid leave up to 85% of wages. Earned Sick Leave guarantees 40 hours annually. These work together with federal FMLA.
New Jersey has among the most comprehensive leave laws.
New Jersey Leave Overview
Key Leave Laws
| Law | Duration | Pay | Employer Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| NJFLA | 12 weeks | Unpaid | 30+ employees |
| FLI | 12 weeks | Paid (85%) | Most employers |
| Earned Sick | 40 hours | Paid | All employers |
| FMLA | 12 weeks | Unpaid | 50+ employees |
How They Work Together
Comprehensive coverage:
- NJFLA provides job protection
- FLI provides wage replacement
- Can use simultaneously
- Coordinate with FMLA
Leave Law Topics
NJFLA Guide
New Jersey Family Leave Act details and eligibility.
Family Leave Insurance (FLI)
Paid leave benefits during family leave.
FMLA Guide
Federal family and medical leave in New Jersey.
Earned Sick Leave
Mandatory paid sick time requirements.
NJFLA (Job-Protected Leave)
Eligibility
You qualify if:
- Employer has 30+ employees
- Worked 12+ months
- 1,000+ hours in past 12 months
Leave Amount
Provides:
- 12 weeks in 24-month period
- Job protection
- Benefits maintained
- Can be intermittent
Qualifying Reasons
Leave for:
- Care for family member with serious condition
- Bonding with new child
- NOT for your own illness (use FMLA)
Broader Definition
Family includes:
- Child, parent, spouse
- Parent-in-law
- Domestic partner
- Civil union partner
Family Leave Insurance (FLI)
What It Provides
Paid leave:
- Up to 12 weeks
- 85% of average weekly wage
- Maximum benefit cap
- State-run insurance
Funding
How it works:
- Employee payroll deductions
- State manages fund
- File claim with state
Qualifying Reasons
Covers:
- Bond with new child
- Care for family member
- Certain military family needs
Benefits Amount
2025 rates:
- 85% of wages
- Up to maximum weekly benefit
- Tax implications apply
Earned Sick Leave
Requirements
All employers must provide:
- 40 hours per year
- Accrue 1 hour per 30 worked
- Or frontload at year start
Using Sick Leave
Can use for:
- Your own illness
- Family member care
- Public health emergency
- Domestic violence situations
Job Protection
Employer cannot:
- Retaliate for using leave
- Require documentation (under 3 days)
- Deny accrued time
Coordination of Leave Laws
NJFLA + FLI
When both apply:
- NJFLA provides job protection
- FLI provides pay
- Run concurrently
- Best coverage
NJFLA + FMLA
When both apply:
- May run concurrently
- FMLA covers own illness
- NJFLA covers family care
- Different employer thresholds
Example Scenario
New baby situation:
- NJFLA: 12 weeks job protection
- FLI: 12 weeks paid (85%)
- FMLA: 12 weeks (if eligible)
- TDB: If complications
Filing Leave Claims
FLI Claims
New Jersey Department of Labor:
- File online
- Phone: 609-292-7060
- Before or during leave
- Required documentation
NJFLA Complaints
Division on Civil Rights:
- For denial/retaliation
- Phone: 973-648-2700
- 180-day deadline
FMLA Complaints
US Department of Labor:
- Phone: 1-866-487-9243
- Federal enforcement
- 2-year statute
Common Scenarios
Scenario 1: New Baby
Situation: Want paid leave for new child.
Analysis: FLI provides 12 weeks at 85% pay. NJFLA provides job protection if 30+ employees.
Scenario 2: Sick Family Member
Situation: Need time to care for ill parent.
Analysis: FLI + NJFLA combination. Paid leave plus job protection.
Scenario 3: Your Own Illness
Situation: Need time for your surgery.
Analysis: NJFLA doesn’t cover (family only). Use FMLA + TDB.
Scenario 4: Small Employer
Situation: Work for 20-person company, need family leave.
Analysis: No NJFLA (30+ required), but FLI still provides paid leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NJ family leave paid?
Yes. FLI provides up to 85% wage replacement.
How long is NJ family leave?
12 weeks job-protected (NJFLA), 12 weeks paid (FLI).
Does NJ have paid sick leave?
Yes. 40 hours per year required for all employers.
Can I use FLI for my own illness?
No. FLI is for family care/bonding. Use TDB for own illness.
Related Topics
Take Action
If denied leave:
- Confirm eligibility requirements
- Document denial
- File FLI claim if applicable
- File complaint with DCR
- Consult attorney
Legal Disclaimer
This article provides general information about New Jersey leave laws and is not legal advice. For specific advice, consult a licensed New Jersey employment attorney.
For official information:
- NJ Department of Labor: https://www.nj.gov/labor/ | 609-292-7060
- Division on Civil Rights: https://www.njoag.gov/dcr | 973-648-2700