New way to collect paid family leave contributions in N.Y.

The New York Workers Compensation Board has changed its interpretation of regulations governing collection of employee contributions to the state’s paid family leave fund.

The current practice of deducting $1.65 per week from employee pay is still an option.

However, employers may now use an alternative calculation of .126% of the employee’s weekly wage until the employee contributes the maximum amount of $85.56.

Employees earning less than the average state weekly wage of $1,305.92 may not reach the annual total using the alternate calculation. To determine the appropriate deduction for low-wage workers, employers may use the online calculator at www.ny.gov/paid-family-leave-calculator.