New York Paternity Leave
2026 Guide to Leave Benefits for Fathers
Bonding Leave for Fathers
NY DBL pays very low ($170/wk max). PFL provides 67% of average weekly wage up to $1,177/wk for 12 weeks bonding.
What About Medical Leave?
Birth mothers in New York can receive additional disability benefits for pregnancy recovery (6-8 weeks at 50% wage replacement) on top of bonding leave. Fathers and non-birth parents qualify for bonding leave only.
FMLA for Fathers in New York
Federal FMLA provides fathers with 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected bonding leave. FMLA is gender-neutral — fathers have the same entitlement as mothers for bonding with a new child.
New York's paid bonding leave runs concurrently with FMLA — you get paid during your FMLA-protected time, but it doesn't add extra weeks on top.
Eligibility: Employer with 50+ employees within 75 miles, 12+ months employed, 1,250+ hours worked in the past year.
How to Apply
Notify your employer at least 30 days before your planned leave date. File your state benefit claim through the official program.
Paternity Leave Facts
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Calculate My Leave Plan →Frequently Asked Questions
How long is paternity leave in New York?
Fathers in New York can take 12 weeks of paid bonding leave through DBL + PFL at 67% wage replacement, up to $1177/week. This is in addition to 12 weeks of unpaid FMLA leave if eligible. Note: birth mothers can also receive separate disability benefits for medical recovery, which fathers do not qualify for.
Is paternity leave paid in New York?
Yes. New York's DBL + PFL provides paid bonding leave to all new parents, including fathers, adoptive parents, and same-sex partners. The benefit is gender-neutral — fathers receive the same bonding leave as mothers. This is separate from the medical/disability leave that only birth mothers receive for physical recovery.
Do fathers qualify for FMLA in New York?
Yes. FMLA is gender-neutral and provides fathers with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected bonding leave. You must work for an employer with 50+ employees, have worked there for 12+ months, and have logged 1,250+ hours. FMLA runs concurrently with New York's paid leave — you get paid during your FMLA-protected time.
Can both parents take leave at the same time in New York?
Yes. Each parent has their own individual leave entitlement under New York's DBL + PFL. Both parents can take bonding leave simultaneously. The only exception is FMLA: if both parents work for the same employer, the employer may limit their combined FMLA bonding leave to 12 weeks total.
Does New York paid leave cover adoptive fathers?
Yes. New York's DBL + PFL covers bonding leave for all new parents, including adoptive fathers, foster parents, and same-sex partners. The bonding leave benefit is the same regardless of how the child joins your family.
What's the difference between maternity and paternity leave in New York?
The bonding leave is identical: both parents get 12 weeks of paid family leave. The key difference is that birth mothers also qualify for 6-8 weeks of disability benefits for pregnancy recovery, which fathers don't receive. So a birth mother in New York can receive up to 20 weeks total paid leave, while a father receives 12 weeks.
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This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Benefit amounts and eligibility requirements change periodically. Always verify current details with your state's official program and your employer's HR department.