NJ Maternity Leave Calculator
Estimate Your NJ Maternity Leave Pay
Enter your average weekly wage before taxes.
Select the year your leave is expected to start.
What is the NJ Maternity Leave Calculator?
The NJ Maternity Leave Calculator is a tool designed to help expectant parents in New Jersey estimate their potential weekly benefits under the state’s Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) and Family Leave Insurance (FLI) programs. This calculator provides an estimate based on your average weekly wage and the year your leave begins, giving you a clearer financial picture for your maternity leave.
NJ Maternity Leave Formula and Explanation
In New Jersey, your maternity leave pay is calculated as 85% of your average weekly wage. However, there is a maximum weekly benefit amount set by the state each year.
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Weekly Wage | Your gross weekly earnings | $ | Varies |
| Benefit Rate | The percentage of your wage you receive | % | 85% |
| Maximum Weekly Benefit (2025) | The highest amount paid weekly in 2025 | $ | $1,081 |
| Maximum Weekly Benefit (2026) | The highest amount paid weekly in 2026 | $ | $1,119 |
Practical Examples
Here are a couple of examples to illustrate how the benefits are calculated:
Example 1: An employee with an average weekly wage of $1,200 starting leave in 2025.
- 85% of $1,200 is $1,020. This is below the 2025 maximum of $1,081, so her weekly benefit would be $1,020.
Example 2: An employee with an average weekly wage of $1,500 starting leave in 2026.
- 85% of $1,500 is $1,275. This is above the 2026 maximum of $1,119, so her weekly benefit would be capped at $1,119.
How to Use This NJ Maternity Leave Calculator
- Enter your average weekly wage into the designated field.
- Select the year your maternity leave is expected to begin.
- Click “Calculate” to see your estimated weekly benefit.
- The results will show your estimated weekly pay, as well as total estimated benefits for the typical duration of TDI and FLI.
Key Factors That Affect NJ Maternity Leave
- Average Weekly Wage: The higher your wage, the higher your benefit, up to the state maximum.
- Leave Year: The maximum benefit amount changes annually, so the year you start your leave is important.
- Eligibility: You must meet the minimum earnings requirements to qualify for benefits. For 2025, you must have worked 20 weeks earning at least $303 per week, or a combined total of $15,200 in your base year. For 2026, those numbers are 20 weeks earning at least $310 per week, or a combined total of $15,500.
- Type of Leave: Maternity leave is typically a combination of TDI for pregnancy-related disability and FLI for bonding.
- Continuous vs. Intermittent Leave: The duration of your benefits can vary if you take your leave intermittently.
- Job Protection: While TDI and FLI provide income, job protection is covered under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How is ‘average weekly wage’ calculated?
Your average weekly wage is calculated by dividing your total base year earnings by the number of base weeks.
Is there a waiting period for benefits?
Yes, there is a seven-day waiting period for TDI benefits, which may be waived if your disability lasts for more than 22 consecutive days. There is no waiting period for FLI benefits.
Can fathers take paternity leave in NJ?
Yes, Family Leave Insurance (FLI) is available to both parents for bonding with a new child.
Is my job protected while I’m on leave?
Job protection is provided by the FMLA and NJFLA, not TDI or FLI. You should check your eligibility for these programs separately.
How long can I receive benefits?
TDI benefits are typically available for up to 4 weeks before birth and 6-8 weeks after. FLI provides up to 12 weeks of benefits for bonding.
What if I have a C-section?
For a Cesarean delivery, TDI benefits are generally payable for up to 8 weeks after childbirth.
Can I take my leave intermittently?
Yes, FLI can be taken intermittently, but the total number of benefit days may be different than if taken continuously.
Where can I apply for benefits?
You can apply for TDI and FLI benefits through the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development website.
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