New York Paid Family Leave: What’s Changing in 2026
New York has one of the longest-standing Paid Family Leave programs in the country, and every year the benefit amounts and contribution rates are updated so that workers can continue to rely on meaningful support when they need it most. In 2026, several of those numbers will go up — and that matters whether you’re planning leave for yourself or thinking about the future with confidence. 🌿
Better Pay for People Taking Leave
If you take New York Paid Family Leave in 2026, you’ll get paid a larger benefit than in 2025:
• Maximum weekly benefit (2025): ~$1,177.32
• Maximum weekly benefit (2026): $1,228.53
That means more income support if you need to step away from work for family or medical reasons.
In total, someone who reaches the weekly cap could receive as much as $14,742.36 in paid benefits over the course of their leave — up over $600 from 2025.
How the Benefit Is Calculated
Paid Family Leave pays 67% of your average weekly wage, up to the New York State Average Weekly Wage each year. In 2026:
• That average wage figure is $1,833.63,
• So 67% of that — the cap — becomes $1,228.53 per week for leave.
The same job-protecting and insurance-continuation rules you’ve known all along still apply — but now with slightly more financial support behind them.
Contribution Changes Too
To fund this benefit, New York employees contribute a small percentage of their wages through payroll deductions. In 2026, that rate will be 0.432% of gross wages per pay period, with a maximum annual contribution of $411.91.
This means:
✔ If you earn less than the state average, you’ll pay less in contributions.
✔ If you earn a lot, you’ll still max out at that annual cap.
Why This Matters
Small percentage increases like this may sound minor, but they add up in real life:
❤️ More financial peace of mind when you’re off work for big life events
💛 Higher benefit amounts that help cover bills and expenses
🌿 Clear, dependable support when you need it most
New York has worked to keep its Paid Family Leave benefit strong and stable over time — and this next update shows that continued commitment, even as costs of living rise.
💡 Takeaway:
Paid Family Leave in New York will be stronger in 2026 — with higher weekly benefits and a meaningful total benefit cap. That means more income support for people taking leave for caregiving, medical, or bonding reasons — without risking job protection or health coverage.
