Need something else?
- Labor Law for information about Paid Family Leave
New York City’s Protected Time Off Law gives covered employees the right to use protected time off to care for themselves or anyone they consider family, and the right to prenatal leave.
With limited exceptions, you are a covered employee if you:
- Work part time or full time in NYC for any size business or nonprofit
- Work as a domestic worker for a private household in NYC
You can use protected time off for:
- Health, including to:
- Recover from illness or injury
- Get a diagnosis or treatment of a mental or physical health condition
- Get preventive medical care
- Care for a family member who is ill or needs medical care
- Safety, because you or a family member have been the victim of:
- Domestic violence
- Unwanted sexual contact
- Stalking
- Human trafficking
- Workplace violence
- Child care
- Attending proceedings and appointments for public benefits or housing
- Staying home during severe weather events and other public disasters
You can use paid prenatal leave for heathcare for yourself during pregnancy.
You have a right to request a temporary change to your work schedule, such as changing the time or location of the shift, working remotely, or swapping shifts with another employee. Although an employer does not have to grant a request, employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who make requests.
You have these rights regardless of your immigration status. Retaliation is illegal.
You can learn more about rights and employer responsibilities online or by phone.
Online
Get information for employees.
Ask a question about the law.
By Phone
- Agency: Department of Consumer and Worker Protection
- Division: Office of Labor Policy and Standards
- Phone Number: (212) 436-0380
- Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM
- Phone assistance is available, but some calls may go straight to voice mail. Please leave a detailed message and a representative will contact you. As an alternative, visit nyc.gov/workers.
