NJ · Parental leave programs 2026
Parental leave in New Jersey: up to $1,119 a week
New Jersey pays through two programs: Temporary Disability Insurance for medical recovery, and Family Leave Insurance for bonding. Both administered by NJ DOL.
Weekly maximum
$1,119
Maximum weeks
12 bonding + 6-8 TDI medical
Wage replacement
85%
Quick answers
Eight questions most New Jersey parents ask
- Who qualifies for maternity leave in New Jersey?
- W-2 employees who paid into NJ FLI in the base year. Must have earned at least $283/week for 20 weeks OR earned $14,200+ during the base year.
- How much does maternity leave pay in New Jersey?
- $1,119 per week in 2026 (85% of your average weekly wage, capped at 70% of the NJ State Average Weekly Wage).
- How long is maternity leave in New Jersey?
- 12 weeks of bonding leave. Can be taken continuously or intermittently in day-long increments.
- Does FMLA cover maternity leave in New Jersey?
- Runs concurrently with federal FMLA when both apply. Also runs concurrently with NJ Family Leave Act (state FMLA) for smaller employers. FLI provides the pay, FMLA/NJ FLA protect the job.
- Does short-term disability cover maternity leave in New Jersey?
- NJ Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) covers medical recovery from childbirth at up to $1,119/week for 6 weeks vaginal / 8 weeks C-section. NJ FLI covers bonding after. Separate applications through NJ DOL.
- Can both parents take parental leave in New Jersey?
- Yes. Both parents can claim NJ FLI for bonding with the same child. Non-birthing parent's 12 weeks are independent of the birthing parent's TDI + FLI sequence.
- What mistakes do parents make with maternity leave in New Jersey?
- Not filing TDI for medical recovery (missing 6 to 8 weeks of paid coverage). Filing FLI too early. Assuming NJ FLA covers pay; it only protects your job.
- How does Parental Leave Pro help?
- Free intake checks TDI + FLI eligibility together, calculates combined weekly benefit, generates the two-step filing timeline, and writes the HR email that confirms employer policy coordination.
Programs that apply in New Jersey
NJ FLI + TDI
Complete state guide with 2026 rates, filing timeline, and coordination rules.
Read the full guide →Federal FMLA
Unpaid job protection. 12 weeks. Requires 12 months tenure and 1,250 hours.
How FMLA and PFML differ →Short-term disability
Employer-provided or state-run STD covers medical recovery. Filed separately from state PFML.
STD vs PFML →Employer policy coordination
Your employer's leave policy is stacked, supplemental, or offset with state PFML. The difference is often $10K-$20K.
How coordination works →Get your New Jersey-specific plan
The free check takes about 60 seconds.
Runs eligibility across every program above, calculates your specific dollar amount, and writes the HR email that confirms your employer policy's coordination pattern.
Related state programs
NY
Parental leave in New York
New York PFL pays up to $1,228.53 per week for 12 weeks. Administered through your employer's disability insurance carrier, not a state agency portal.
CT
Parental leave in Connecticut
Connecticut Paid Leave is one of the most generous mandatory programs in the country. Up to $1,016.40 per week for 12 weeks, plus 2 extra weeks for pregnancy complications.
DE
Parental leave in Delaware
Delaware Paid Leave began paying benefits in 2026. Up to $900 per week for parental leave, with separate shorter allowances for family or medical leave.
Educational content. Not legal, tax, HR, or financial advice. Confirm your specific eligibility with the applicable state agency, your employer, or a qualified advisor.