The United States remains one of a few countries devoid of a national paid family leave program, resulting in different states and employers offering their own forms of these benefits. Currently, thirteen states along with Washington, D.C., have their own paid family leave programs. However, the absence of a centralized system and varying state programs have left users with complex procedures and subsequent wage losses due to unpaid leaves. Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code and advocacy group Moms First, has attempted to remedy this situation by launching an artificial intelligence tool, PaidLeave.ai, for the New York population.

Unfortunately, workers from states with paid leave, such as New York, often struggle due to inadequate customer service on government websites. They often lack clarity regarding their eligibility for benefits and the amount they may be entitled to receive. Saujani created PaidLeave.ai to help these individuals navigate their state’s paid leave system.

Supported by OpenAI, PaidLeave.ai aims to provide New York parents with clear answers regarding their eligibility, and potential benefit amounts. It offers an action plan to claim these benefits efficiently. This AI tool is hoped to help combat income inequality by assisting vulnerable communities access their entitled benefits. In New York alone, less than 25% of those eligible for paid leave take advantage of the benefit; a pattern mimicked in other states offering similar benefits. The AI tool aims to increase the uptake of benefits through user-friendly navigation and timely information.

PaidLeave.ai is currently serving New Yorker parents but ambitions of expansion to other states are under consideration. The team behind the tool is assessing the most effective method of expansion, considering working closely with the Department of Labor to evaluate the impact of AI in increasing benefit applications. The ultimate objective is to help families receive their entitled benefits and spark a discussion about simplifying the system.