Expanded Protected Leave for NJ Workers

We are sharing a recent New Jersey employment law update regarding protected leave that may be relevant to clients with employees in the state.

Effective July 17, 2026, New Jersey expanded job-protected leave for many workers and reduced the eligibility requirements under the New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA).

An employee now may be eligible if:

• The employer has 15+ employees worldwide, or a state or local government agency, regardless of size
  The employee has at least 3 months of work history with their employer
  The employee has worked at least 250 in the last 12 months

NJFLA still provides:

• Up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave in a 24-month period
  Coverage to bond with a new child or to care for a family member with a serious health condition
  Right to return to the same position they had before leave

Eligibility for TDI/FLI cash benefits continues to be based on earnings, and the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requirements have not changed.

Employers should consider reviewing their leave policies and procedures to determine whether updates are necessary. You can review the NJ Department of Labor’s announcement and additional guidance here.

This communication is intended for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult employment counsel regarding how these changes may apply to your organization.