Massachusetts Paid Family & Medical Leave
As of January 1, 2021, Massachusetts employees are eligible for a state-offered benefit granting up to 26 weeks of job protected leave for medical and family reasons. Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) is a benefit separate from the federal government’s Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and any benefits offered by an employer. All Massachusetts employers, regardless of size, are required to participate.
Current PFML Rate Sheet
All Massachusetts employers (including employers with private or self-insured benefits plans) are required to distribute certain information to their employees under the Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) law.
Summary of the important facts and key takeaways of the PFML
Job Protection: PFML requires employers to provide an employee with the opportunity to return to their previous position, or a position of similar responsibility and compensation upon returning from leave. Additionally, during leave, employers are required to maintain the employee’s health insurance at the same level the employee had prior to taking leave.
Reasons for Leave: PFML provides Massachusetts workers up to 12 weeks of paid family leave, up to 20 weeks of paid medical leave, and up to 26 weeks of combined family and medical leave within any given benefit year. Types of leave include:
Care for a family member with a serious health condition. This 12-week benefit becomes available July 1, 2021.
Bond with a child during the first 12 months after the child’s birth (12 weeks).
Bond with a child during the first 12 months after adoption or foster care placement (12 weeks).
Care for a family member who is or was a member of the Armed Forces, National Guard or Reserves and developed or aggravated a serious health condition in line of duty on active duty while deployed to a foreign country (26 weeks).
Manage family affairs when a family member is on or has been called to active duty in a foreign country while in the armed forces, including the National Guard or Reserves (12 weeks).
Manage the employee’s own serious health condition (20 weeks).
To learn more about eligibility or other aspects of the PFML please contact the Human Resources Office at 508-565-1105.