Paid Family Leave by State 2026 — Benefits, Eligibility and How to Apply
FMLA provides unpaid leave. Paid Family Leave (PFL) is a separate state benefit that pays you a percentage of your wages while on leave. Only 13 states currently have PFL programs.
States With Paid Family Leave
| State | Program | Weeks | Wage Replacement | Max Weekly Benefit | Effective | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | CA PFL | 8 | 90% | $1,765 | 2004-07-01 | Active |
| Oregon | OR PL | 12 | 100% | $1,692 | 2023-09-03 | Active |
| Washington | WA PFML | 12 | 90% | $1,647 | 2020-01-01 | Active |
| Colorado | FAMLI | 12 | 90% | $1,448 | 2024-01-01 | Active |
| Minnesota | MN Paid Leave | 12 | 90% | $1,423 | 2026-01-01 | Active |
| Maine | ME PFML | 12 | 90% | $1,249 | 2026-05-01 | Active |
| Massachusetts | MA PFML | 12 | 80% | $1,230 | 2021-01-01 | Active |
| New York | NY PFL | 12 | 67% | $1,229 | 2018-01-01 | Active |
| Rhode Island | RI TCI | 8 | 60% | $1,150 | 2014-01-01 | Active |
| New Jersey | NJ FLI | 12 | 85% | $1,119 | 2009-07-01 | Active |
| Connecticut | CT PFL | 12 | 95% | $1,016 | 2022-01-01 | Active |
| Maryland | MD FAMLI | 12 | 90% | $1,000 | 2027-01-01 | Not yet active |
| Delaware | DE PL | 12 | 80% | $900 | 2026-01-01 | Active |
Featured State Programs & In-Depth Guides
Up to $1,170/week benefit for bonding, medical, or family care.
Comprehensive wage replacement up to the state average weekly wage.
Step-by-step breakdown of Frances Online and 100% low-wage replacement.
Up to 8 weeks through EDD for bonding or family caregiving.
12 weeks at 67% average weekly wage with job protection.
Up to 16-18 weeks combined family and medical leave benefit.
What is Paid Family Leave?
Paid Family Leave is a state-run insurance program, usually funded by small payroll deductions, that replaces part of your wages while you're off for a covered reason. Most commonly that's bonding with a new child or caring for a seriously ill family member. Unlike FMLA, PFL on its own is not a job-protection law in most states — it's a wage replacement benefit that runs alongside whatever job protection FMLA or a separate state leave law provides.
How is Paid Family Leave Different from FMLA?
Simple version: FMLA keeps your job, PFL pays you. FMLA is a federal law that guarantees your position is there when you return — but it pays nothing. PFL is a state benefit that puts money in your account while you're out, though it doesn't guarantee your job on its own in every state. When both apply to the same leave, they run together: FMLA protects your position while PFL covers part of your paycheck.
Which States Have Paid Family Leave?
13 states currently run a PFL program: California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Minnesota, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Delaware. Every other state currently leaves paid leave entirely to employer discretion, short-term disability insurance, or PTO.
How Much Will I Get Paid?
Each state uses its own formula — typically a percentage of your average weekly wage, capped at a maximum weekly benefit. Lower earners often get a higher percentage replaced; higher earners hit the state's cap sooner.
How to Apply for Paid Family Leave
Apply directly through your state's PFL agency, usually online, before or shortly after your leave begins. You'll typically need to provide documentation such as a birth certificate, adoption paperwork, or a medical certification, depending on your reason for leave. Visit each state's page below for its official application link.
Frequently Asked Questions
Paid Family Leave (PFL) is a state-run insurance program that pays eligible workers a percentage of their wages while they take leave to bond with a new child, care for a seriously ill family member, or in some states, for their own serious health condition or military family needs.
FMLA is a federal law that protects your job but pays you nothing. Paid Family Leave is a separate state benefit that actually replaces part of your income during leave. The two often apply to the same leave at the same time, but only PFL puts money in your pocket.
13 states currently run a PFL program: California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Minnesota, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Delaware.
It depends entirely on your state's formula and your own wages. Most programs replace 60–100% of wages up to a state-specific weekly cap. Use the paid leave calculator below to estimate your own benefit.
Apply directly through your state's PFL program website (linked on each state's page), typically before or shortly after your leave begins. Most states require supporting documentation, such as a birth certificate for bonding leave or a medical certification for caregiving leave.