New Jersey Family Leave Insurance [FLI] was signed into law in 2008 extending the benefits of New Jersey Temporary Disability Benefits [TDB.] With a few exceptions, all employers are required to participate in the state program [by default], or choose to opt out
of the state program via state-approved private plans, like those available from The Hartford.NJ TDB & FLI – You Have Choices With The Hartford
What’s Covered Under the State Programs?
What Are the State Plan Benefits?
FLI TDB
What Are the State Eligibility Requirements?
To qualify for
benefits through the state program, the employee needs to have paid through their employer into the program and must meet minimum earnings requirements. Employees are required to have worked at least 20 weeks [making at least $240 a week in 2022 or $260 in 2023] or must have earned at least $12,000 for 2022 [or $13,000 in 2023] in the base year prior to the first day of Temporary Disability Leave or Paid Family Leave.
The requirements may change each year.
Private plans can use the eligibility requirement or choose to waive it.
How Are the State Programs Funded?
FLI TDB
What Are the Requirements for Private Plans?
TDB and FLI allow
employers to choose a private plan. An employer can opt out of the state fund for TDB, FLI, or both. All private plans must be approved by New Jersey’s Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The Hartford is currently approved to provide Temporary Disability Benefits coverage in New Jersey, and will begin offering Family Leave Insurance [FLI] January 1, 2023. Our company may be used to fully insure a private TDB and FLI plan, or to provide Administrative Services Only [ASO] for an
approved TDB and FLI self-funded private plan. The February 2019 amendment removed a requirement that private sector employers obtain a majority election of its employees in order to opt out of the state plan and into a private contributory plan. Some unions may still require an election.
Is The Hartford Offering a Private Plan for TDB and/or FLI?
The
Hartford has partnered with New Jersey employers for more than 70 years in providing Temporary Disability Benefits [TDB] for their employees. Our TDB employer customers can now partner with The Hartford on plans for Family Leave Insurance [FLI] – either as a fully insured product or with our administrative services only. TDB and FLI allow employers to choose a private plan. An employer can opt out of the state fund for TDB, FLI, or both. All private plans must be approved by the Department
of Labor and Workforce Development. The Hartford is currently approved to provide Temporary Disability Benefits coverage in New Jersey and will begin offering Family Leave Insurance [FLI] January 1, 2023. Our company may be used to fully insure a private TDB and FLI plan, or to provide Administrative Services Only [ASO] for an approved TDB and FLI self-funded private plan.
What Are the Requirements for Eligibility Due to COVID-19, and Certain Other Public Health-Related Needs, Impacts?
During a state of emergency declared by the Governor or when indicated to be needed by a public health authority, employees unable to work due to certain COVID-19 or certain other epidemic-related reasons may be eligible for benefits under the following scenarios:
Please
reach out to your employee benefits representative at The Hartford for additional information.
7515 NS 10/22 Temporary Disability Form Series includes GBD-1850, or state equivalent. Statutory Family Leave Insurance Form Series includes GBD 1856 FLI [NJ].
This informational material is
subject to change as The Hartford continues to receive guidance from states and municipalities. It shall not be considered legal advice. The Hartford assumes no responsibility for legal compliance with respect to an employer’s business practices, and the views and recommendations contained herein shall not constitute The Hartford’s undertaking on a company’s behalf, or for the benefit of others, to determine or warrant that an employer’s business operations are in compliance with any law, rule,
or regulation. Employers seeking resolution of specific legal or business issues, questions, or concerns regarding this topic should consult their own attorney or business advisors; and employees should continue to consult their employers’ Human Resources or other employment benefits department for guidance on the application of any law, rule, or regulation.
The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.,
[NYSE: HIG] operates through its subsidiaries, including underwriting companies Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company and Hartford Fire Insurance Company, under the brand name, The Hartford,® and is headquartered at One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. For additional details, please read The Hartford’s legal notice at www.thehartford.com.