New Jersey Leave Laws: Paid Family Leave, Sick Leave & Employee Rights (2026)

New Jersey has one of the most comprehensive leave programs in the nation. With paid family leave insurance, earned sick leave, temporary disability insurance, and the NJ Family Leave Act, New Jersey workers enjoy extensive leave protections.

Quick Facts: New Jersey Leave Laws

NJ Family Leave Insurance (FLI)

Wage Replacement Program

Provides:

• Up to 12 weeks per year
• 85% of average weekly wage
• Maximum weekly benefit (check current rate)

Qualifying Reasons

• Care for seriously ill family member
• Bond with new child (birth, adoption, foster)
• Issues related to domestic/sexual violence

How It Works

• Funded by employee payroll deductions
• Apply through NJ Department of Labor
• Can be taken intermittently

NJ Earned Sick Leave

All Employers Must Provide

Minimum requirements:

• 40 hours per year
• 1 hour per 30 hours worked
• Covers all employers

Covered Uses

• Own illness or injury
• Care for family member
• Domestic/sexual violence situations
• School meetings for child's disability
• Public health emergency

Broad Family Definition

Includes child, parent, spouse, domestic partner, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, and more.

NJ Family Leave Act (NJFLA)

Job-Protected Leave

Provides:

• 12 weeks unpaid leave
• Job protection
• Benefit continuation

Coverage

• Employers with 30+ employees
• Employees with 12 months, 1,000 hours

Qualifying Reasons

• Care for family member with serious health condition
• Bond with new child
• Does NOT cover own illness (use TDI/FMLA)

Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI)

For Own Illness/Disability

Provides:

• Up to 26 weeks
• 85% of wages
• Covers pregnancy disability

How to Apply

Through NJ Department of Labor.

Coordination with FMLA

Using Leaves Together

• FLI provides pay during FMLA/NJFLA
• FMLA provides additional job protection
• Leaves often run concurrently

Maximum Leave Scenario

New parent example:

• TDI: ~6-8 weeks (pregnancy recovery)
• FLI: 12 weeks (bonding)
• NJFLA: Job protection during leave
• Total: Significant paid, protected time

Common Questions

How does NJ paid leave compare to other states?

New Jersey's program is among the best—85% wage replacement, 12 weeks duration, broad family definition, and coverage for all employers.

Is my job protected during FLI?

FLI itself doesn't provide job protection, but NJFLA and FMLA do. Use them together for paid, job-protected leave.

Can I use sick leave for family members?

Yes. NJ Earned Sick Leave covers caring for family members.

Finding Legal Help

Free Resources

• NJ DOL: nj.gov/labor
• NJ DCR: njoag.gov | 973-648-2700
• Legal Services of NJ: lsnj.org

Employment Attorneys

Many handle leave retaliation cases.

Related Resources

• New Jersey Workplace Discrimination
• New Jersey Workplace Retaliation
• FMLA Family Medical Leave
• Newark Employment Law

Legal Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about New Jersey leave laws and is not legal advice. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed New Jersey employment attorney.

Official Resources:

• NJ Department of Labor: https://nj.gov/labor