Paid Family Leave
Paid Family Leave (PFL) programs are state laws providing partial wage replacement when workers take time off for family care or bonding with a new child.
us-specific
Category
intermediate
Difficulty
6 min read
Read time
2025-01-15
Updated
Definition
Short definition
Paid Family Leave (PFL) programs are state laws providing partial wage replacement when workers take time off for family care or bonding with a new child.
Detailed explanation
Paid Family Leave programs provide workers with partial wage replacement during family leave. Unlike federal FMLA (unpaid), state PFL programs offer actual income during leave.
Currently, 11 states plus DC have mandatory paid family leave programs: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Washington DC.
Benefits typically range from 60-90% of wages up to a cap, funded through employee and/or employer payroll contributions. Duration ranges from 4-12 weeks depending on the state.
Practical guidance
How it works
Employees file claims with state agency, provide documentation, and receive benefit payments. Job protection comes from FMLA/state equivalent laws separately.
Best practices
Understand which states employees work in
Know contribution and notice requirements
Help employees access benefits
Coordinate with company leave policies
Stay current as more states add programs
Legal context
Legal basis
Various state laws (CA SDI/PFL, NY PFL, etc.)
Jurisdiction: State-specific
Key provisions
Partial wage replacement during qualifying leave
Funded through payroll contributions
Runs concurrently with FMLA job protection
Duration varies by state (4-12 weeks)
Benefit amount varies (60-90% of wages)
Qualifying reasons: bonding, family care, military
Official source
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. More states are considering legislation.
How much does paid family leave pay?
Benefits vary by state from about 60-90% of wages, usually with weekly caps. For example, California provides 60-70%, New York provides 67%, and Washington provides up to 90% for lower earners.
Related glossary terms
FMLA
FMLA is a US federal law providing eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for specified family and medical reasons.
CFRA
CFRA is California law providing eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for family care, bonding, and qualifying military exigencies.
Maternity Leave
Maternity leave is time off work for pregnant employees before and after childbirth, with statutory protections and pay entitlements.
Paternity Leave
Paternity leave is time off work for fathers or partners following the birth or adoption of a child.