29 April 2025
New York Paid Prenatal Leave Available Starting January 1st 2025
Hello,
Starting January 1st, 2025, all New York employees are entitled to receive 20 hours of paid leave for prenatal healthcare appointments during their pregnancy or related to their pregnancy.
This leave is separate from NY Paid Family Leave (PFL) and will not be tracked by our Life & Disability carrier, Reliance Matrix. Additionally, it is provided in addition to NY Paid Sick Leave.
All employees, including part-time and overtime-exempt staff, are eligible for this leave. There is no minimum work requirement—you are entitled to the full 20 hours annually regardless of your start date.
Covered care includes:
- Physical exams
- Medical procedures and monitoring
- Prenatal testing
- Consultations with a healthcare provider
- Fertility treatments (including in vitro fertilization)
- End-of-pregnancy care appointments
Please note, only the employee receiving the care is eligible to use Paid Prenatal Leave. This leave does not extend to spouses or partners attending appointments, and it cannot be used for post-pregnancy care.
Key Points to Note:
- The 20 hours are measured over a 52-week period beginning the first time you use the leave.
- Leave may be used in hourly increments, giving you flexibility for shorter appointments.
- Unused leave does not roll over to the next 52-week period.
- Employees are not required to submit medical records or documentation to employers.
To request this leave, please continue to follow our existing procedures for requesting time off when using Paid Prenatal Leave. If you are unsure about the process or have any questions please contact the benefits team at Benefits@smpcorp.com for guidance.
For more information about Paid Prenatal Leave, including frequently asked questions, visit: ny.gov/programs/newyork-state-paid-prenatal-leave.