New York State Increases Maximum Weekly Unemployment Benefit

Recently, New York State has raised the maximum weekly unemployment insurance benefit from $504 per week to $869 per week.  The increased benefit rate will be reflected in payments starting the week of October 13, 2025. The maximum benefit rate is the highest benefit amount available to unemployed New Yorkers. The amount an individual receives … Read more

New Legislation Expands New York State Paid Family Leave

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill that expands New York State’s Paid Family Leave legislation to allow caring for siblings. Paid Family Leave has been in effect since 2018 and is employee-paid insurance that provides paid time off to care for a newborn, bond with adopted or foster children, care for a family member with … Read more

Mayor de Blasio Signs into Law Significant Amendments to the New York City Earned Safe and Sick Time Act

On September 28, 2020, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio signed a bill into law significantly amending the New York City Earned Safe and Sick Time Act (“NYC ESSTA”). The new law was enacted to better align with New York State’s new paid sick leave law (“NYS Paid Sick Leave Law”) and make the … Read more

New York Employees Entitled To Three Hours of Paid Time Off To Vote

As part of the New York State Enacted Budget for fiscal year 2020, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that new legislation has been established that mandates three hours of paid time off for all New York employees to vote on Election Day. Effective immediately, the New York Election Law § 3-110 provides, as follows: A registered … Read more

New York Paid Family Leave Changes in 2019

As you are aware, effective January 1, 2018 New York State enacted New York Paid Family Leave (PFL). As part of the implementation, PFL benefits are phased in over a four-year period. 2019 will mark year two of the implementation and PFL benefits will be significantly enhanced. Beginning January 1, 2019, the number of weeks … Read more

IRS Issues Private Letter Ruling on Student Loan Benefit Under 401(k) Plan

Submitted by Ali Law Group PC on August 28, 2018 Recently, employer Abbott Labs announced the introduction of a proposed program which would amend its defined contribution plan to include a student loan benefit for its employees. The program would allow for employer-provided student loan repayment benefits offered through Abbott Labs’ 401(k) plan. On Friday, August … Read more