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Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance

FAQ: Family Leave Insurance

Family Leave Insurance provides New Jersey workers cash benefits for up to twelve weeks to bond with a newborn or newly placed adoptive, or foster child, to provide care for a seriously ill or injured loved one, or to handle matters related to domestic and/or sexual violence.

• Before You File
• After You Submit
  an Application
• Once You Receive
  a Decision

How do I apply for Family Leave Insurance benefits?

1. You can apply online, which is the easiest way to apply for benefits. Once you submit your application, you will get immediate confirmation that we received it.
2. You can download, print, and fill out a paper application (FL-1), and mail it back to us at Division of Temporary Disability & Family Leave Insurance, P.O. Box 387, Trenton, NJ 08625-0387, or fax it to 609-984-4138.

Who is eligible for Family Leave Insurance benefits?

Any New Jersey worker who contributes to the state plan for Family Leave Insurance, or an approved private plan may be eligible. Check your pay stubs or ask your employer if you’re not sure about your coverage.

Do I have to live in New Jersey to receive Family Leave Insurance benefits?

You may be eligible to receive benefits if you work in New Jersey, regardless of where you live.

Do I need to apply for all of my Family Leave benefits at once?

You do not need to claim your Family Leave benefit days all at one time. You can claim Family Leave Insurance benefits in one continuous period, or on a day-by-day basis to suit your needs. However, the manner in which you choose to claim your leave will determine the duration of leave that you are entitled to.

Continuous Leave: You may receive up to 12 weeks of benefits within a 12-month period, if the benefits are claimed for one continuous period of unpaid leave.

Non-Continuous (intermittent) Leave: If you are claiming benefits on an intermittent schedule, whether it be a week, a month, or a day at a time, you may receive up to 56 individual days (8 weeks) of Family Leave benefits within a 12-month period. If you take your leave in a non-continuous manner, let us know those dates after taking each segment. If you are approved for Family Leave Insurance benefits but do not initially claim your maximum duration of leave when filing, we will mail you a Continued Claim Certification (FL3), which includes a schedule that you must fill out and sign – showing the days you did not work during the period. You will need to submit an updated schedule after each period of leave is completed.

Can I claim a continuous period of leave for less than 12 weeks (84 days)?

Yes. You may claim family leave for any length of time you need. 12 weeks is the maximum duration of leave you can claim, provided there are no gaps or days worked interspersed throughout your claim.

Example: John claims family leave from November 1 st – January 10 th (10 weeks). After being approved for this time, he wants to add additional days to the end of his leave because he never returned to work. He claims two more weeks of leave beginning on January 11 th (picking up right where his family leave left off). Since there are no gaps in his leave, he is able to claim 12 weeks of benefits.

Can I collect Family Leave Insurance benefits to care for a loved one undergoing a gender affirmation procedure?

Yes, as long as your loved one’s medical provider certifies their need for your care.