Grant Description:
The study evaluates the introduction of a NY State (NYS) law mandating that employers provide employees with Paid Family Leave (PFL) insurance coverage to provide for paid time off to bond with a new child, care for a family member with a serious health condition, or for qualifying exigencies of a family member on active military duty. The benefit begins January 1, 2018, and increases over 4 years from 8 to 12 weeks and from 50% to 67% wage replacement (capped at NYS’s average weekly wage). This study focuses on three key questions: (1) how does NY’s PFL law affect NY employers’ provision of leave; employees’ eligibility and utilization of leave; and disparities in access and utilization? (Objective A); (2) how do NY employers view the costs and benefits of PFL? (Objective B); and (3) what are the early effects of NY’s PFL on maternal and infant health outcomes and disparities? (Objective C).