Navigating the New Jersey Family Leave Insurance (FLI) claim process can feel overwhelming, but we're here to help guide you through the steps. While we can't fill out the forms for you, this guide will provide the clarity and direction you need to complete your claim with confidence.
30 second summary: Cocoon helps you navigate the New Jersey Family Leave Claim process. We'll guide you through submitting your claim to the state, but you'll need to complete key details like medical certification. Be sure to file your claim within 30 days of starting your leave to ensure a smooth process.
Important note: Cocoon doesn't provide Family Leave claim forms for caregiver leaves. You'll need to file these claims directly with NJ FL. Since these claims are handled outside of Cocoon, if you need any information from your employer, please reach out to your people team directly.
Please use this legend as a guide while navigating through each page of your claim form:
NJ Family Leave Claim form page 1
NJ Family Leave Claim form page 1
NJ Family Leave Claim form page 2
NJ Family Leave Claim form page 2
NJ Family Leave Claim form page 3
NJ Family Leave Claim form page 3
Page 3 is for partial leave schedules, which you'll only complete if you're taking a non-continuous leave.
For example, if you're planning to take bonding leave in separate weeks instead of all at once—like taking two weeks off right after birth, then another week a month later, you'll use this page to map out your specific leave schedule.
This helps ensure you're accurately reporting your intermittent leave and allows the state to track your total leave time correctly.
Part D Partial Leave Schedule on this page: only needs to be filled out if you're taking bonding leave in a non-continuous period.
This form also applies to caregiver claims, which involve caring for a loved one with a serious physical or mental health condition. Cocoon doesn't currently provide claim forms for caregiver leaves.
Part C does not need to be completed for bonding leave.
NJ Family Leave Claim form instructions
NJ Family Leave Claim form instructions
Things to keep in mind when filling out your claim form
Important leave details:
Paid Family Leave may only begin after birth and is not available for prenatal conditions.
It's best to complete your claim forms when or shortly after your bonding leave begins.
Some states may accept claims earlier, but they won't start processing your claim until you are officially on leave.
Disability and bonding considerations:
If you're on disability leave before starting bonding leave, your disability period must conclude before the bonding leave can commence. Please note, you typically cannot receive benefit payments for disability while on bonding leave.
Wage and claim considerations:
Claim forms often ask about wages while on leave. Your employer's policy might have some differences or nuances regarding wage continuation.
It's a good idea to reach out to the state for further information, as they are the ultimate adjudicators of your claim.
Answer the questions as best you can, and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to the stater for help.
Here’s a helpful article to further explain pay while on leave.
If you’re taking intermittent leave
If you're considering a non-continuous (intermittent) bonding leave, here's what you need to know:
You're entitled to up to 8 weeks of benefits (compared to 12 weeks for continuous leave)
New Jersey requires you to file claims for each leave segment separately
This differs from most claims where you typically file at the beginning of your leave
Claim submission deadlines
Claims must be submitted no later than 30 days after your first day of leave
If submitting after the 30-day window, include a note explaining the delay to help stay proactive
What happens after you fill out your claim form
Next steps:
Upload completed forms to your dashboard here
Our team will submit your claim form directly to the state of New Jersey(typically within 24 hours of receipt)
You’ll get a confirmation email once we submit on your behalf
Follow up tips:
After receiving our submission confirmation, follow up with New Jersey within 2 business days
Verify they have all necessary information for a swift approval
Note: We don't collect bank information, so benefits will be in check form
If you're interested in direct deposit, use this opportunity to inquire about that option
How to check the status of your claim
Create an account online or reach out to the state directly to check your claim status
For privacy reasons, New Jersey will only communicate directly with you after submission (and not Cocoon)
You can find contact information for your state here.
We won't have visibility into your claim once it's been submitted
What to do if you need to adjust leave dates
If your leave has begun and you need to modify dates:
Adjust leave dates in your Cocoon dashboard (your People team will be notified)
If your claim is already submitted, contact New Jersey directly to inform them of date changes
Cocoon will provide instructions for downloading updated forms
For claims already in process, it's best to contact New Jersey directly for guidance
We hope this guide helps you navigate your New Jersey Family Leave claim process. Remember, while we can't fill out the forms for you, we're here to support you every step of the way!
Have questions? We're here to help. Email us at [email protected].