Comprehensive guide to New Jersey leave laws — family leave insurance, earned sick leave, and all statutory entitlements.
Last updated
New Jersey has one of the oldest state paid family leave programs in the US,
along with comprehensive earned sick leave and extensive job protections.
Paid Sick Leave
Yes — New Jersey Earned Sick Leave Law
Paid Family Leave
Yes — New Jersey Family Leave Insurance (FLI) + Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI)
Paid Sick Leave
ProgramNew Jersey Earned Sick Leave Law
Accrual1 hour of earned sick leave for every 30 hours worked.
MaximumUp to 40 hours per year.
EligibilityAll employees, including part-time, temporary, and seasonal workers.
Use-It-or-Lose-ItNo — employers may cap carry-over at 40 hours.
Sick leave can be used for the employee's or family member's illness, preventive care, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or public health emergency closures.
Paid Family & Medical Leave
ProgramNew Jersey Family Leave Insurance (FLI) + Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI)
DurationUp to 12 weeks of family leave benefits within a 12-month period.
Pay RateApproximately 85% of average weekly wage, up to a maximum weekly benefit.
FundingEmployee-funded through payroll deductions. Employer does not pay benefits.
EligibilityEmployees who have worked for the employer for at least 12 months and earned at least 20 times the state minimum weekly wage.
FLI covers bonding with a new child or caring for a family member with a serious health condition. TDI covers the employee's own non-work-related illness or injury.
Unpaid Family & Medical Leave
ProgramNew Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA) + Federal FMLA
DurationUp to 12 weeks under NJFLA in a 24-month period. Up to 12 weeks under FMLA in a 12-month period.
EligibilityNJFLA: employers with 30+ employees, 12 months and 1,000 hours of service. FMLA: employers with 50+ employees, 12 months and 1,250 hours.
NJFLA provides job-protected leave for bonding or caring for a family member with a serious health condition. Unlike FMLA, NJFLA does not cover the employee's own serious health condition.
Jury Duty Leave
ProgramNew Jersey Statutes Annotated 2B:20-17
Paid?No — employers are not required to pay, but cannot penalize employees.
Employers must allow employees to serve on a jury. Employers cannot threaten or penalize employees for jury service.
Voting Leave
ProgramNew Jersey Statutes Annotated 19:31-7
Paid?Yes — up to 2 hours of paid time off.
Employees who do not have sufficient time outside working hours to vote are entitled to up to 2 hours of paid time off.
School Activity Leave
ProgramNew Jersey Statutes Annotated 34:11C-2
DurationUp to 6 hours per year.
EligibilityParents of children enrolled in K-12.
Paid?Unpaid, but employees may use accrued leave.
Leave is for attending school-related conferences, meetings, or events.
Domestic Violence Leave
ProgramNew Jersey Statutes Annotated 34:11C-1
DurationUp to 20 days of unpaid leave in a 12-month period.
EligibilityEmployees who are victims of domestic violence or sexual assault.
Paid?Unpaid, but employees may use accrued paid leave.
Leave can be used for medical care, legal proceedings, counseling, safety planning, or relocation.
Military Leave
ProgramNew Jersey Statutes Annotated 38:23B-26
Employees who are members of the National Guard or reserves are entitled to military leave.
This page is provided for general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. Always
check the cited sources for current law before making employment decisions.