Paid Family Leave

Paid Family Leave

Paid Family Leave coverage available for Benefits Fund participants​

The NYSNA Benefits Fund offers participants Paid Family Leave coverage administered through MetLife. This coverage, which costs participants nothing, provides job-protected, paid leave to bond with a new child (birth, adoption, or fostering), care for a loved one with a serious health condition, or assistance with family situations when a loved one is deployed abroad on active military service. Click here for more information regarding PFL coverage for Benefits Fund participants. You may also find more about Paid Family Leave in the Benefits Fund’s Summary Plan Description and specific details about 2024 benefits in this document.

(You cannot take short-term disability and Paid Family Leave at the same time. However, if you qualify for short-term disability [for example, after giving birth], you may take short-term disability and then Paid Family Leave. You cannot take more than 26 weeks of combined short-term disability and Paid Family Leave coverage in a 52-week period. For more information about the Fund's Short-Term Disability benefit click here.)

FAQ

Who is eligible for bonding leave?

Answer:
New parents are eligible for paid family leave during the 12 months following the birth, adoption, or fostering of a child.

When can I take bonding leave to bond with a new child?

Answer:
Participants can take bonding leave any time during the first 12 months after the birth, adoption or foster placement of a child. Paid family leave can be taken intermittently within this time period.

Can I take paid family leave during pregnancy?

Answer:
No, paid family leave for bonding begins after the birth of a child. It isn’t available for prenatal conditions.

Can I take paid family leave for adoption before I have custody of the child?

Answer:
Yes, participants may take leave before the actual adoption of the child if an absence from work is required for the adoption to proceed.

Can I file for both a short-term disability and paid family leave claim at the same time?

Answer:
Yes, but you won’t be paid disability and paid family leave benefits simultaneously. You may switch from short-term disability to paid family leave benefits any time after the birth of your child or at the end of your disability.

File a PFL Claim

To file a claim for paid family leave, participants may contact MetLife directly at (800) 504-7877. Representatives are available to assist Fund participants Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m. If you're calling about a new claim, please choose Option 2.  Participants should identify themselves as NYSNA Benefits Fund participants. Claims must be filed within 30 days of your leave.