New Hampshire Paid Family Leave Laws

As of December 11, 2024, New Hampshire offers a state-sponsored Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, known as the Granite State Paid Family Leave Plan. This voluntary insurance plan provides wage replacement benefits to eligible workers for specified family and medical reasons.

What is Paid Family Leave?

Paid Family Leave (PFL) allows employees to take compensated time off from work to address significant family or medical needs, such as bonding with a new child or caring for a seriously ill family member. PFL aims to support employees in balancing work responsibilities with essential family obligations without financial hardship.

Does New Hampshire Have Paid Family Leave Laws That Differ from Federal Family Leave Laws?

Yes, New Hampshire has established its own PFML program, which differs from the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in several ways:

• Voluntary Participation: Unlike the FMLA, which applies to employers with 50 or more employees, New Hampshire’s PFML program is voluntary for employers. Employers can choose to participate and offer the plan to their employees.
• Coverage Options: Employers that opt into the program can select between offering 6 or 12 weeks of paid leave per year. Employees can take leave all at once (continuous) or in partial days (intermittent) with a minimum of 4-hour increments.
• Wage Replacement: The PFML program provides 60% wage replacement up to the Social Security wage cap. This is a state-specific benefit and is not provided under the federal FMLA.

What Counts as a Qualifying Event for Paid Family Leave in New Hampshire?

Qualifying events under New Hampshire’s PFML program include:

• Bonding with a New Child: Caring for a newborn, adopted, or foster child during the first year after birth or placement.
• Caring for a Family Member with a Serious Health Condition: Providing care for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition.
• Employee’s Own Serious Health Condition: Taking leave due to the employee’s own serious health condition that prevents them from performing essential job functions.
• Qualifying Military Exigency: Addressing certain needs arising from a family member’s active duty or call to active duty in the Armed Forces.
• Caring for a Service Member with a Serious Injury or Illness: Providing care for a service member with a serious injury or illness incurred in the line of duty.

Are There Requirements to be Eligible for Paid Family Leave in New Hampshire?

Eligibility criteria for New Hampshire’s PFML program include:

• Employment Status: The individual must be employed by a New Hampshire employer that offers the PFML insurance plan.
• Waiting Period: For individual plans, there is a one-time 7-month waiting period before benefits can be claimed.

Is There a Minimum Amount of Paid Family Leave Time Required in New Hampshire?

The PFML program offers up to 6 weeks of paid leave per year for qualifying events. Employers that opt into the program can choose to offer either 6 or 12 weeks of paid leave.

Is There a Minimum Amount of Maternity Leave Time Required in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire’s PFML program provides up to 6 weeks of paid leave for bonding with a new child. Employers that opt into the program can choose to offer either 6 or 12 weeks of paid leave.

Is Paternity Leave Required by Law in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire’s PFML program provides up to 6 weeks of paid leave for bonding with a new child. Employers that opt into the program can choose to offer either 6 or 12 weeks of paid leave.

Who Pays for Paid Family Leave in New Hampshire?

The PFML program is funded through premiums paid by both employers and employees. Employers that opt into the program may choose to cover the full cost, share the cost with employees, or require employees to pay the full premium.

Conclusion

New Hampshire’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program offers a voluntary, state-sponsored option for employers and employees to access paid leave benefits for qualifying family and medical reasons. Unlike the federal FMLA, which provides unpaid leave, New Hampshire’s PFML program offers wage replacement benefits, enhancing support for workers during critical life events. Employers and employees should review the program details to determine participation and understand the benefits and responsibilities associated with the plan.