New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s Granite State Paid Family Leave (PFML) program became effective January 1, 2023. This program provides paid leave benefits to all state employees, with an option for private employers and individual employees to participate on a voluntary basis.
Eligibility:
Employers
State and political subdivisions are required to provide coverage.
Private employers with a physical presence in New Hampshire may opt into the program.
Employees
State employees are covered under the plan.
Private employers that elect to offer coverage may establish their own eligibility definition. Individual employees can also opt into coverage if their employer does not choose to offer it.
Benefits overview
Medical leave
- Employee’s own serious health condition if the employer does not offer short-term disability coverage
Family leave
- Bond with a new child after birth, adoption, or foster care placement
- Care for a family member with a serious health condition
- Military exigency related to a family member’s active military duty or call to duty
Options of 6 or 12 weeks of leave in a benefit year
60% wage replacement up to the Social Security wage cap
There is no waiting period for state employees. There is a 7-day waiting period under New Hampshire PFML for private employers and individuals that elect coverage.
Leave can be taken continuously, intermittently, or on a reduced schedule. Leave must be taken in increments of 4 hours or more.
Leave under New Hampshire PFML is considered job protected leave
Additional information:
New Hampshire designated a single carrier to provide the paid family and medical leave benefits for state employees. Voluntary coverage is available for employees of private sector and non-state governmental employers.
Covered Family Members
Under New Hampshire PFML, employees may take family leave to care for a family member with a serious health condition. Covered relationships include:
- Spouse or domestic partner
- Child
- Parent
- Grandparent
To learn more about New Hampshire’s paid leave program, visit the Paid Family & Medical Leave website.