What is Family Leave (FMLA)?

The FMLA entitles eligible employees of covered employers to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons with continuation of group health insurance coverage under the same terms and conditions as if the employee had not taken leave. FMLA is usually unpaid but during the COVID-19 pandendemic. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government enacted the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “FFCRA”) for the cost of providing paid sick and family leave wages to their employees for leave related to COVID-19.

Paid Family Leave during COVID-19

In response to the outbreak of COVID-19 in New York State, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has guaranteed workers job protection and financial compensation in the event they, or their minor dependent child, are subject to a mandatory or precautionary order of quarantine or isolation issued by the state of New York, the Department of Health, local board of health, or any government entity duly authorized to issue such order due to COVID-19.

If You Are Quarantined Yourself

If you are under a mandatory or precautionary order of quarantine or isolation issued by the state of New York, the Department of Health, local board of health, or any government entity duly authorized to issue such order due to COVID-19, the leave available to you depends on the size of your employer as of January 1, 2020, and your employer’s net annual income.

For more information & How to apply: If You Are Quarantined Yourself | Paid Family Leave

If Your Minor Dependent Child is Quarantined

If your minor dependent child is under a mandatory or precautionary order of quarantine or isolation issued by the state of New York, the Department of Health, local board of health, or any government entity duly authorized to issue such order due to COVID-19, you may be eligible to take Paid Family Leave to care for them.

For more information & How to apply: If Your Minor Dependent Child is Quarantined | Paid Family Leave

Paid Family Leave for Family Care

If you have an eligible family member who contracts COVID-19, you may be able to take Family Care to care for them, as COVID-19 may be considered a serious health condition.
For more information & How to apply: Paid Family Leave for Family Care | Paid Family Leave

More Information

• Visit NYS New Family Leave Site
• Please read Guidance For Obtaining An Order For Mandatory Or Precautionary Quarantine.

If your employer does not provide the required paid sick leave, you may file a complaint with the NYS Department of Labor.