Anyone live in NJ or WA?

Temp206787500007404

Similar to CA's Paid Family Leave program, both NJ and WA are implementing programs to begin 7/1/09 and 10/1/09.

These programs run concurrent with FMLA.

In NJ, you get 6 weeks paid time off concurrent with FMLA for the birth or adoption of a child, or to care for an ill family member (and then 6 weeks of unpaid FMLA leave left).  The fine print says that the leave has to occur within 12 months of birth or adoption, can only be taken in one continuous lump period, and you have to give 30 days notice or forego 2 weeks of payments.

The law isn't clear yet as to whether or not adoption is defined as "placement" or "finalization." 

In WA, the law has not been totally finalized/clarified.  Currently, you would receive 5 weeks of pay to a maximum of $250/week, and then would have 7 weeks of unpaid FMLA time left.  No fine print yet, but I will keep you guys updated!

If you have any questions, feel free to ask here and I can point you toward resources to answer your questions!  (FMLA, State Leaves, and Disability administration is what I do for a living.)

FinallyMrs.G

I live in WA, that is great news. Thanks you for sharing. What about fathers? Are they entitled to any time off?

Temp206787500007404

Yes, current Federal law (FMLA) covers paternity leave as New Child Care (NCC) unpaid for up to 12 weeks.  It appears at this time that the WA PFL will also apply to fathers (so dad would receive pay for the 5 weeks at a max of $250/week), but again it hasn't been finalized, so I'll let you know if anything changes!

TiffanyBlue927

Wow, awesome info! I am in NJ and my HR dept told me that since DH and I both work for the same employer, we are only entitled 6 weeks EACH unpaid Family leave, instead of what I thought was 12 weeks unpaid leave, for each of us. We are being penalized, it seems for both having the same career and have to split the family leave between us.....

So am I understanding correctly, that now in NJ, I am entitled  to 6 weeks paid leave, as if I was on actual maternity leave? If that's the case, then maybe I dont hate NJ as much as I used to! LOL!

Truthfully, I got crappy IF benefits( 10 K lifetime cap), no employee assistance for adoption at all  and since my employeer is one of the largest in Bergen county ( 7,000 + employees) I am hoping someone would throw us a bone, so to speak. I hope this will be in efffect when we getg our placement!

Thanks  for sharing! It's great to have someone in the know here!!!

Temp206787500007404

Tiffany -- yes, as "bone" to employers, the FMLA regs do allow employers to require employees who both work for them to split their 12 weeks of time off due to the hardship providing 24 weeks off could put a strain on the business.

But yes, now you will get 6 weeks paid effective 7/1/09.  I don't know if the adoption would have to occur after 7/1/09 or just within 12 months prior, but I'll keep you updated with more info as it comes out.

Dr.Loretta

Does this apply to me if I work in NJ but live in PA?

Temp206787500007404

Sure does, Dr. L!

TiffanyBlue927

Great info, Mrs B. Thank You so Much! Keep us posted!

GroomzMcFinehiney

Thanks for posting this.  What great news.  We live in NJ, and I work in PA, but my husband works in NJ, so at least one of us will get to take advantage of this when the time comes.