Official Site of The State of New Jersey
NJ Expands Job Protected Leave for Workers
Effective July 17, 2026
What's Changed
Starting July 17, 2026, New Jersey workers have expanded job protection when they need time off work to care for themselves and loved ones.
New job protection when you receive paid leave benefits
Your job is now protected by TDI/FLI law during your leave if you receive TDI/FLI benefits from the State or a private plan, and your leave is not already covered under the NJ Family Leave Act or federal Family & Medical Leave Act.
When your leave ends, you have the right to return to your same job or one with the same pay, benefits, seniority, and other terms of employment.
There are no minimum employer size requirements or work history requirements with your current employer. Eligibility for TDI/FLI benefits is based on recent earnings.
This helps workers who didn't have job protection before, including:
✅ Workers at small employers
✅ Newer employees
✅ Some part-time workers
✅ Employees receiving benefits to cope with domestic or sexual violence
✅ and more
Changes to the law are in effect as of July 17, 2026. Formal rulemaking may change policies, procedures, and forms once finalized. Consult with a legal professional for specific questions.
Lower requirements for NJ Family Leave Act (NJFLA)
More workers now qualify for job protection under NJFLA. The requirements have been reduced:
| Requirement | Before | July 17, 2026 and after |
| Employer Size | 30+ employees worldwide or a state or local government agency, regardless of size | 15+ employees worldwide or a state or local government agency, regardless of size |
| Work History | 12 months with employer | 3 months with employer |
| Hours Worked | 1,000 hours in the past 12 months | 250 hours in the past 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
This law is enforced by the NJ Division on Civil Rights.
What Hasn't Changed
Getting paid leave works the same way.
Eligibility for TDI/FLI cash benefits are still based on earnings.
To qualify for benefits for claims starting in 2026, you must have:
- Worked 20 weeks earning at least $310 weekly; OR
- Earned a combined total of $15,500 in the base year
Most people who work in New Jersey qualify.
Federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requirements haven't changed.
The requirements for FMLA remain the same:
- 50+ employees within 75-mile radius, or government agencies of any size
- 12 months with employer
- 1,250 hours worked in past 12 months
This law is enforced by the US Department of Labor.
Learn More
See our FAQs:
Additional guidance is coming. Stay up-to-date and check your coverage at myleavebenefits.nj.gov/jobprotection.
This page is general information, not legal opinion or advice.