Calculator guide

US State Leave Calculator

The US State Leave Calculator helps employees understand their state-specific leave entitlements. While federal FMLA provides unpaid leave for eligible workers, many states have enacted additional paid leave programs that provide wage replacement during qualifying leave. Currently, 13 states plus DC have mandatory paid family and/or medical leave programs, and many more have paid sick leave requirements. This calculator identifies which programs apply to you based on your state and employment situation. Whether you need leave for a new baby, a family member's illness, your own health condition, or safe time, this tool shows you what benefits are available and estimates your potential wage replacement.

leave

Category

intermediate

Difficulty

4 minutes

Time needed

2025-01-15

Last reviewed

Why use this calculator

Identifies all applicable state leave programs

Calculate your leave benefits based on your state, including paid family leave, sick leave, and disability programs.

Calculates estimated wage replacement benefits

Calculate your leave benefits based on your state, including paid family leave, sick leave, and disability programs.

Shows eligibility requirements for each program

Calculate your leave benefits based on your state, including paid family leave, sick leave, and disability programs.

Compares state benefits to federal FMLA

Calculate your leave benefits based on your state, including paid family leave, sick leave, and disability programs.

Covers paid family leave, sick leave, and disability

Calculate your leave benefits based on your state, including paid family leave, sick leave, and disability programs.

Inputs and outputs

Inputs

State of employment: select - Select your state of employment

Type of leave needed: select - Select the primary reason for your leave

Average weekly wage: number - Your average weekly earnings before taxes

Employer size: select - Some programs have employer size requirements

Months with current employer: number - How long you have worked for your current employer

Weeks of leave needed: number - Estimated number of weeks you need off

Outputs

State Program Available: text - The state paid leave program that applies to you

Maximum Weeks Available: text - The maximum duration of leave under state law

Estimated Weekly Benefit: currency - Your estimated weekly wage replacement

Wage Replacement Rate: percentage - Percentage of wages replaced by the program

Estimated Total Benefit: currency - Total estimated benefits for your leave period

Job Protection Status: text - Whether your job is protected during leave

Paid Sick Leave: text - State sick leave requirements that may apply

Methodology

Calculation method

Evaluates state-specific paid leave programs based on eligibility criteria. Calculates wage replacement using state formulas which typically range from 60-90% of wages up to state maximums.

Formula: Weekly Benefit = min(Weekly Wage × Replacement Rate, State Maximum)

How it works

Select your state of employment

Choose the type of leave you need

Enter your average weekly wage

Provide employer size and employment duration

Specify how many weeks of leave you need

Review available programs and estimated benefits

Compliance note

This calculator provides estimates based on state program parameters as of 2025. Actual benefits depend on your specific circumstances and official program determinations. This is not legal advice. Contact your state's paid leave program for official guidance.

Legal basis: Various state family and medical leave laws

Example scenarios

California - New Parent

New parent in California taking bonding leave

Why it matters: California PFL provides up to 8 weeks of bonding leave at 70% wage replacement (for most earners). CFRA provides job protection.

New York - Family Care

Employee caring for ill parent in New York

Why it matters: NY PFL provides 12 weeks at 67% of average weekly wage (capped at state average). Job protection is included.

Texas - No State Program

Employee in state without paid leave program

Why it matters: States without paid leave programs only have federal FMLA (unpaid). Check employer policies for any voluntary benefits.

Frequently asked questions

Which states have paid family leave?

As of 2025, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and DC have mandatory paid family leave programs. Several more states are phasing in programs.

How is paid leave funded?

Most state programs are funded through payroll taxes. Some are employee-only contributions (like California), others are shared between employer and employee (like Washington), and some are employer-funded.

Can I use state leave and FMLA together?

Yes, in most cases state paid leave runs concurrently with federal FMLA. This means you get paid benefits from the state while also receiving job protection under FMLA.

What if my state doesn't have paid leave?

You may still be eligible for unpaid FMLA leave (12 weeks) if you meet the eligibility requirements. Also check your employer's policies for any voluntary paid leave benefits.

Are all employers covered by state paid leave?

Coverage varies by state. Some states cover all employers, while others have size thresholds (e.g., Washington covers employers with 1+ employees, while some states require 15+).

How do I apply for state paid leave?

Applications are typically submitted to your state's paid leave agency. You'll need to provide documentation of your qualifying event and may need employer confirmation. Processing times vary by state.