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 in-depth details about Paid Family Leave in the Benefits Fund’s Summary Plan Description.

(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.