New Jersey Expands Family Leave Act, Clarifies Temporary Disability Insurance
New Jersey employers must adapt to significant amendments to the New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA), which took effect July 17, 2026. These changes will expand coverage to smaller businesses, reduce the waiting periods for new employees to qualify for leave, and create new job restoration and benefit selection rights.
Major Changes to New Jersey Family Leave Act:
| Requirement | Before 7/17/26 | As of 7/17/26 |
| Employer size | ≥30 employees worldwide | ≥15 employees worldwide |
| Work history | 12 months with employer | 3 months with employer |
| Hours worked | 1,000 hours in past 12 months | 250 hours in past 12 months |
The job reinstatement piece of these amendments has caused some confusion. The New Jersey Department of Labor (NJDOL) clarified that, based on amendments effective July 17, 2026, the New Jersey Temporary Disability Law provides eligible employees up to 26 weeks of job protection while employees are collecting Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) benefits and up to 12 weeks of job protection while they are collecting Family Leave Insurance (FLI) benefits.
Fisher & Phillips LLP:
Final Checklist to Comply with New Jersey’s Family Leave Act Overhaul
Official Site of the State of New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development:
NJ Expands Job-Protected Leave for Workers
Employers’ Frequently Asked Questions
