Becoming a parent is a life-changing experience. Knowing your rights to maternity leave in New Jersey and the financial assistance available can help make the transition into parenthood easier. In 2025, expectant and new mothers have access to paid leave, job protection, and additional state benefits to support a growing family. Whether you need time off before or after childbirth, understanding New Jersey’s Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI), Family Leave Insurance (FLI), and job protection laws can help you plan your leave effectively. Additionally, programs like WIC, SNAP, and NJ FamilyCare provide critical assistance to new parents who need help with nutrition and healthcare costs. We are going to discuss each of these so you better understand what benefits you are entitled to in 2025.
Upcoming Changes to Maternity Leave in 2025
Maternity leave is provided at some level in NJ, and the state government is working to make it better. Currently, some jobs offer 2 to 6 weeks of paid leave for expecting mothers and fathers. However, in early 2025, Governor Phil Murphy proposed expanding paid family leave for state government employees to 12 weeks of full pay. Other legislative proposals may increase the percentage of wage replacement and extend the length of paid leave for all workers.
New Jersey is known for having some of the most generous family leave benefits in the country, and these potential changes could further support working parents.
Paid Maternity Leave in New Jersey
There are different ways to obtain maternity leave. As mentioned, some jobs offer it, but you can also gett Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) or use Family Leave Insurance (FLI).
Temporary Disability Insurance for Pregnancy and Recovery
Many women need time off before giving birth due to pregnancy-related health conditions. In New Jersey, Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) provides partial wage replacement for expectant mothers who cannot work due to pregnancy and childbirth recovery.
To qualify for TDI in 2025, you must have worked at least 20 weeks while earning a minimum of $303 per week, or you must have earned at least $15,200 in the base year. If eligible, you can receive 85% of your average weekly wage, up to $1,081 per week in 2025.
TDI benefits typically cover up to four weeks before delivery and six weeks after a vaginal birth (or eight weeks after a C-section), unless medical complications extend the recovery period.
Family Leave Insurance for Bonding with Baby
After childbirth, new mothers in New Jersey can take up to 12 weeks of paid time off through Family Leave Insurance (FLI) to bond with their baby. The eligibility requirements are the same as TDI.
FLI allows you to receive 85% of your average weekly wages, with a maximum of $1,081 per week in 2025. You can take your leave all at once or spread it out over 56 intermittent days to accommodate your family’s needs.
Unlike TDI, FLI benefits are available to both mothers and fathers, making it a great option for parents who want to share caregiving responsibilities.
Job Protection Under the NJ Family Leave Act (NJFLA)
TDI and FLI provide financial support. However, they do not guarantee that your job is going to be waiting for you when you are ready to begin working again. The New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA) offers job protection to eligible employees.
Under NJFLA, you receive 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave within a 24-month period to bond with your newborn. Your employer cannot fire or replace you during this time. However, NJFLA only applies if:
- Your employer has 30 or more employees.
- You have worked for your employer for at least one year and 1,000 hours in the past 12 months.
NJFLA is separate from the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which offers up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave but applies only to companies with 50 or more employees.
Additional Benefits for Expectant and New Mothers
Maternity leave is just one part of the equation. If you have lower income, you may be able to receive entitlements from state and federal programs that provide assistance with the cost of food and healthcare.
WIC Program
The WIC (Women, Infants, and Children Program) provides free nutritious food, breastfeeding support, and health screenings to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and young children. With WIC, you can get an EBT card to purchase eggs, milk, fruits, vegetables, and infant formula; lactation support and breast pumps; and referrals to healthcare and social services. To qualify, your household income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. You can apply at local WIC clinics or through the New Jersey WIC website.
SNAP
Many families rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (formerly known as food stamps) to help cover grocery expenses. If you are on maternity leave and experiencing a reduction in income, you may qualify for SNAP. Here is what to know:
- The amount you receive depends on household income and size.
- Benefits are loaded onto an EBT card, which can be used at most grocery stores.
- Pregnant women and new mothers may qualify for emergency SNAP benefits if they have little or no income.
You can apply for SNAP through the New Jersey Department of Human Services.
How to Apply for Maternity Leave and Benefits
Applying for TDI, FLI, or state assistance programs can feel overwhelming, but taking the right steps can help ensure a smooth process:
- File for TDI as soon as your doctor confirms you need time off due to pregnancy. Applications are submitted through the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
- Apply for FLI after giving birth to receive paid leave while bonding with your baby. You can submit your claim online.
- Check your eligibility for WIC, SNAP, and NJ FamilyCare by visiting the New Jersey Department of Human Services website.
- Talk to your employer about job protection laws, including NJFLA and FMLA, to ensure you understand your rights.
Ensure You Get Maternity Leave in New Jersey
Maternity leave in New Jersey provides financial security and job protection so that new mothers can focus on their health and their baby. Additionally, programs like WIC, SNAP, and NJ FamilyCare offer essential resources for nutrition and healthcare.
By understanding your rights and benefits, you can plan your maternity leave with confidence, knowing you have the support you need during this important time in your life.
In the event you are unfaily denied maternity leave or believe that you lost your job due to pregnancy, please get in touch with the discrimination and employment lawyers at Swartz Swidler, LLC. Call to schedule your free consultation at 856-685-7420 today.
