New Jersey's workers can begin applying for NJ Paid Family Leave benefits beginning July 1, 2009. Under the program, workers can take up to six (6) weeks of leave to care for a newborn child or newly adopted child, or to care for a seriously ill family member, and receive 2/3 of their wages, up to approximately $546 per week. 

Information and applications are available at the NJ Department of Labor website under "Family Leave Insurance (FLI)" or you can click here.

Please note that the NJ Paid Family Leave or FLI law provides compensation during your leave, it is not a leave entitlement nor does it give workers a right to return to their job after a period of family leave. However, your leave may also be covered under the NJ Family Leave Act (FLA) or Federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) which will protect your right to return to your position.

Again, check out the NJ Department of Labor's website for more detailed information, a "frequently asked questions," and an application. 

New Jersey's new law, passed in 2008 and taking effect in 2009, will expand the state's temporary disability insurance (TDI) program to give workers up to six weeks of family leave benefits to care for a seriously ill family member or a newborn or newly adopted child. Workers will receive two-thirds of their weekly salary up to $524 per week.

FMLA is a federal law that allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a 12-month period. The leave can be taken for the birth, adoption or foster placement of a child, the care of a family member with a serious health condition or the employee's own serious health condition. The purpose of FMLA is to enable employees to more easily balance the obligations of work and family without being disciplined or losing their job.

The NJ state PEOSH act protects public employees so they can work in an environment free from safety and health hazards. Under the 1984 New Jersey Occupational Safety and Health Act, the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services investigates complaints related to health hazards in the workplace while the NJ Department of Labor investigates complaints related to safety hazards.