Important NFIB Massachusetts Updates to PFML and a UI Fraud Warning

October 17, 2023

Important NFIB Massachusetts Updates to PFML and a UI Fraud Warning

Changes to State Paid Family and Medical Leave Law The Massachusetts FY24 budget included a provision that allows workers to “top off” their paid family and medical leave by using any of their existing PTO benefits. NFIB opposed this section of the state budget arguing this change violated the spirit of the 2018 Grand Bargain Law and would result in additional staffing challenges for Massachusetts small businesses. Afterall, the wage replacement was set a portion of a worker’s pay in order to incentivize them to return to the workplace. The new law allows employees to combine their PFML wages with existing time off, however they cannot exceed their average weekly wage amount. This is for claims filed on or after November 1, 2023. It will be a business owner’s responsibility to ensure the employee does to exceed the average weekly wage. Additional information for employers on how to comply with these new changes will be posted at The Department of Family and Medical Leave’s website. <<<<< If you missed NFIB’s last newsletter, please note the following additional PFML changes: Maximum Weekly Benefit Amount: $1,149.90 per week (from $1,129.82). Contribution rate on eligible employee wages: 0.88% (from 0.63%). Fraudsters Target Massachusetts Unemployment System…Again The Department of Unemployment Assistance reported fake websites are trying to dupe UI claimants in to entering their log-in credentials when they search Unemployment Insurance Online through Google. These fraudulent sites redirect them to a fake UI Online portal, where they are prompted to enter their user information and password. This stolen information is used to access the legitimate UI Online website, allowing fraudsters to update banking information without the claimant’s knowledge, ultimately diverting payments. This security breach is not a result of any compromise of information from the DUA. Instead, claimants inadvertently provided their UI account user information to fake websites. Employers should:

Regularly Review Your UI Profile Information

Report Any Unauthorized Changes Immediately

Beware of Unknown Email Sources

Create Strong Security Credentials

Report Suspicious Activity

Monitor Communications from DUA

Verify DUA Communications

Identity Theft Concerns

If you suspect that someone is filing fraudulent claims, please visit the Department of Unemployment Assistance to complete a secure form at www.mass.gov/unemployment-fraud.

Topics:

Uncategorized

State:

Massachusetts

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