Paid Family Leave

Syracuse University provides several kinds of leave to assist non-academic staff and other eligible employees in balancing the demands of the workplace with their personal needs. This includes the New York Paid Family Leave (NYPFL) law , which provides leave for eligible members to:

  • bond with a new child
  • care for a family member with a serious health condition, or
  • prepare for a family member’s call to active military service

On this page:

Eligibility for Paid Family Leave

Staff and student employees, including graduate assistants, working in New York State are eligible if they meet the following requirements:

  • If a regular work schedule is 20 or more hours per week, an employee is eligible after 26 consecutive weeks of employment;
  • If a regular work schedule is less than 20 hours per week, an employee is eligible after working 175 days.

Faculty continue to be eligible for leaves of absence and paid parental leave benefits, and may request administrative leave through their departments, as appropriate. New York’s legislation establishing Paid Family Leave does not apply to those working in a teaching capacity.

Benefits Available During Paid Family Leave

Employees taking a Paid Family Leave in 2024 receive the following benefits:

  • 67% of their average weekly pay, up to a maximum of 67% of the New York statewide average weekly wage (currently $1,718.15);
  • Up to 12 weeks of leave, which can be taken all at once or on an intermittent basis;
  • Continuation of health and other benefits with payment of the required premium contributions

Paycheck Deductions

New York State intends Paid Family Leave to be funded entirely by payroll deductions from covered employees. For 2024, the deduction will be 0.373% of a covered employee’s weekly wage, capped at $333.25 per year. This deduction will appear on paychecks with the description “NY FLI/EE.”

All staff will see this deduction beginning January 1, 2024. Deductions will not be taken from student employees or graduate assistants; however, they are covered by PFL upon meeting the eligibility requirements described above. Deductions will not be taken from faculty.

Waiving Coverage under Paid Family Leave

New York State only allows employees to waive participation in Paid Family Leave when their work schedule does not allow them to become eligible for a benefit.    An employee who signs a waiver will not have paycheck deductions and will not be eligible for Paid Family Leave benefits.  Employees may sign a waiver if:

  • They are regularly scheduled to work 20+ hours per week, but are not expected to work 26 weeks for Syracuse University; or
  • They are regularly scheduled to work less than 20 hours per week, but are not expected to work 175 days within a 52-week period.

Signing a waiver is voluntary, and an employee may revoke a waiver at any time; however, the eligibility requirements must be met in order for a leave to qualify for benefits. If an employee who signs a waiver has a change to their work schedule that would result in eligibility, the University will automatically revoke the waiver.

How to Request a Paid Family Leave:

  1. Verify your eligibility for Paid Family Leave.
  2. Provide 30 days advance notice to your supervisor. If your situation is urgent, notify your supervisor as soon as possible.
  3. Complete the required forms. A family member or their health care provider may also need to complete forms.
  4. Submit forms to the Syracuse University Leave Administrator by email, fax (315.443.1063), or mail to: HR Shared Services, 621 Skytop Road, Suite 1101, Syracuse, NY 13244.
  5. Monitor your syr.edu email notifications and required actions from the Syracuse University Leave Administrator.

Reminders:

  • Paid Family Leave benefits will be paid through payroll.
  • Paid Family Leave benefits are taxable. You will receive a Form 1099 along with your year-end W-2.
  • More information about NYS Paid Family Leave.

Syracuse University recognizes the New York Paid Family Leave Benefits that provides support when employees need time away from work for certain family matters. Employees in CA, CT, DC, MA, NJ, RI, and WA are eligible for paid family leave benefits according to their state’s regulations.

Contact the Leave Administrator at 315.443.4042 or email leaveadmin@syr.edu with any questions about Paid Family Leave.