This page provides essential information regarding key state-specific labor laws, employee rights, and compliance requirements. Our goal is to ensure you have easy access to the necessary documents and information to understand your rights and obligations while working remotely in New York.
Please explore the sections below for details on tax withholdings, leave policies, workplace posters, and other important legal considerations specific to New York.
Tax Withholdings
- Federal Income Tax: Complete Form W-4 (IRS) Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate to figure the correct amount of federal income tax to have withheld from your paycheck.
- State Income Tax: Complete the IT-2104 Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate form. This form allows you to select your desired state income tax withholding percentage. If you do not submit this form, your witholdings will be withheld at the default rate.
Please submit completed forms to the Payroll Office via the secure Payroll Office FileSender.
Leave Policies
New York Paid Family Leave (NY PFL)
Lehigh University is committed to supporting our employees through significant life events. New York's Paid Family Leave program provides job-protected, paid time off for eligible employees.
All eligible employees are entitled to review the official Paid Family Leave Statement of Rights. This document outlines your protections and benefits under the law.
You can access the official Notice of Compliance here:
Request Process for Paid Family Leave
To request Paid Family Leave, please follow these steps carefully:
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Notify the Human Resources Office at 610-398-3900 at least 30 days in advance if your leave is foreseeable. If not foreseeable, please notify HR as soon as possible.
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Complete and submit the Request for Paid Family Leave (Form PFL-1) to Lehigh's Human Resources Office (inhro@lehigh.edu) using LU File Sender for secure transmission.
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You must submit your complete request package directly to Lehigh's insurance carrier, Reliance Matrix, within 30 days after the start of your leave to avoid losing benefits. For detailed instructions on how to file your claim with Reliance Matrix, please refer to their Four Convenient Ways to File a Claim flyer.
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In most cases, Reliance Matrix is required to either pay or deny benefits within 18 calendar days of receiving your completed request package or your first day of leave, whichever is later.
Pregnancy & Parental Accommodations
New York State provides specific protections and accommodations for pregnant employees and new parents:
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Lactation Accommodations for Fully Remote Workers in New York
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Policy on the Rights of Employees to Express Breast Milk in the Workplace
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Pregnancy Accommodations at Work - Please contact inremote@lehigh.edu if you plan to take Paid Prenatal Leave or require other pregnancy-related accommodations.
Workplace Rights & Posters
Access important labor law posters and information relevant to employees in New York.
Worker's Compensation
Worker's Compensation coverage extends to remote employees who suffer a work-related injury or illness while performing their job duties. For an injury to be covered, it must arise out of and in the course of employment. Workers' compensation claims must be reported to the Risk Management Office at 610-758-3899 within one business day of the accident.
How to Claim Unemployment Insurance Benefits
If you become unemployed through no fault of your own and meet eligibility requirements, you may be able to claim Unemployment Insurance Benefits through the New York Department of Labor website.
Important Note: This information is a summary and is subject to change. For complete details and the most current regulations, please refer to the official New York State Department of Labor and Paid Family Leave websites, and consult with Lehigh University's HR and Payroll departments for specific guidance.