2025 Brings in New Laws to Protect Workers in State

With the New Year officially here it also brought in new laws for the State of New York that are designated on protecting workers. Some of these laws include increased workers’ compensation and paid family leave benefits. Both the minimum weekly benefit for workers comp and maximum benefit for paid family leave went up as of January 1st.

“Hardworking New Yorkers shouldn’t have to worry about how they’ll buy food or pay rent when they need time off to care for a new child or family member with a serious health condition, or get injured on the job. Likewise, business owners who have their own bills to pay and families to support also need affordable solutions,” Governor Hochul said. “I’m proud that New York State is finding ways to put money back into the pockets of workers and those who employ them so both the economy and the people can thrive.”

The maximum paid family leave for workers in the state increased by over $300. Paid family leave provides employees, who are eligible, up to 12 weeks of job-protected, paid time off to bond with a new child, care for a family member with a serious health condition, or assist loved one when a family member is deployed abroad on active military service. New Yorkers are now allowed to receive up to $14,127.84 in total benefits. Employees who utilize paid family leave earn 67% of their average weekly wage; the maximum weekly benefit $1,177.32.

For workers compensation benefits, the weekly benefit will increase to $325 per week, and increase from $275 a week in 2024. Workers compensation offers financial and medical benefits for workers who are injured or become ill as a result of their job, while protecting employers from expensive lawsuits.

More information on both changes to Workers’ Compensation may be found HERE and for Paid Family Leave may be found online HERE.