Caregiver Compensation

State Paid Family Leave: What Caregivers Should Know

State Paid Family Leave (PFL) programs provide wage replacement for employed workers who take time off to care for a seriously ill family member. As of 2026, 13 states plus DC actively pay benefits, covering 50–90% of average weekly wages for 6–12 weeks. PFL replaces your employment income while on leave — it does not directly pay for caregiving services.

13 states + DC

Updated October 2026

Pathway 4 — Key Details

What it isWage replacement for employed workers who take time off to care for a seriously ill family member. Not a direct caregiving wage — replaces your own employment income while on leave.

Active programs (2026)CA, CO, CT, DE, MA, ME, MN, NJ, NY, OR, RI, WA + DC — 13 states + DC actively paying benefits

Upcoming programs⚠️ MD: premiums begin Jan 2027, benefits begin Jan 2028.

Typical benefit50–90% of average weekly wages, up to a state cap. Duration: 6–12 weeks depending on state.

Key requirement⚠️ Must be currently employed. Does not pay non-working caregivers. Covers leave, not ongoing caregiving.

Funded byPayroll deductions from employees and/or employers — social insurance model

Tax treatment⚠️ Generally taxable; varies by state

How to applyState labor/workforce department, or through your HR department when leave begins

Available in 14 States

As of early 2026, 13 states and the District of Columbia have passed mandatory Paid Family Leave laws. While most are fully operational, some are in the final stages of implementation.

CaliforniaFully operational

ColoradoFully operational

ConnecticutFully operational

DelawareBenefits began Jan 2026

Washington, D.C.Fully operational

MassachusettsFully operational

MaineBenefits begin May/Aug 2026

MinnesotaBenefits began Jan 2026

New JerseyFully operational

New YorkFully operational

OregonFully operational

Rhode IslandFully operational

WashingtonFully operational

MarylandBenefits expected Jan 2028

Eligibility: What to Expect & How to Prepare

Because PFL programs replace a portion of your wages, you must prove both your identity and the medical necessity of the leave. You apply through the state agency that manages the program — usually the Department of Labor or Employment Security.

During the application process, the state agency (e.g., California EDD or NY Paid Family Leave) will ask these questions.

"What is your last day of work and your expected return date?"
Benefit amounts are calculated based on these dates.
"Are you taking leave continuously or intermittently?"
e.g., 6 straight weeks vs. 2 days a week — this affects how benefits are paid.
"Are you receiving any other benefits?"
Sick leave, vacation pay, or workers' compensation can sometimes offset PFL payments.
"Does your family member meet the 'Serious Health Condition' criteria?"
Typically means an illness or injury requiring inpatient care or ongoing treatment.
"Have you already used FMLA or other state leave this year?"
Many programs run concurrently with federal FMLA, and there are yearly caps on total leave taken.
"Is your employer aware of this leave request?"
Most states require you to give your employer at least 30 days' notice if the leave is foreseeable.

Apply directly through your state's official portal. Each state manages its own program independently.

"California — myEDD (SDI Online)"
edd.ca.gov
"Colorado — My FAMLI+ Benefits Portal"
famli.colorado.gov
"Connecticut — CT Paid Leave (Aflac Portal)"
ctpaidleave.org
"Delaware — Delaware Paid Leave (DE Labor)"
labor.delaware.gov
"Maine — Maine PFML Authority"
mainepfl.gov
"Maryland — Maryland FAMLI"
labor.maryland.gov
"Massachusetts — PaidLeave.mass.gov"
paidleave.mass.gov
"Minnesota — Minnesota Paid Leave"
pl.mn.gov
"New Jersey — NJ Family Leave Insurance"
myleavebenefits.nj.gov
"New York — NY Paid Family Leave Official Site"
paidfamilyleave.ny.gov
"Oregon — Frances Online"
frances.oregon.gov
"Rhode Island — RI Temporary Caregiver Insurance"
dlt.ri.gov
"Washington — WA Paid Family & Medical Leave"
paidleave.wa.gov
"Washington, D.C. — DC Paid Family Leave (DOES)"
does.dc.gov

Identity & Employment Proof

State-issued ID and Social Security Number
Recent pay stubs or a W-2 to verify you've met the minimum earning requirements (e.g., California requires at least $300 in earnings during a "base period")

Medical Certification

A form signed by the care recipient's doctor documenting the "serious health condition" (e.g., California's Part D or Connecticut's Healthcare Provider Statement)
Estimated duration of leave and frequency of care needed

Proof of Relationship

Birth certificate, marriage license, or domestic partnership registration (requirements vary by state)

Banking & Additional

Routing and account number for direct deposit payments
Color scan of the front and back of your driver's license or state ID

Pro Tips

Most states require you to give your employer at least 30 days' notice if the leave is foreseeable — notify HR early to avoid delays.
Note: New Hampshire, Vermont, and Virginia offer voluntary programs where coverage can be purchased through private insurers — these are not included in the mandatory 13-state count.
If your employer-paid sick leave or vacation time overlaps with PFL, disclose it on your application — undisclosed overlapping benefits can result in overpayment recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

As of 2026, 13 states plus DC are paying benefits: CA, CO, CT, DE, MA, ME, MN, NJ, NY, OR, RI, WA and DC. Maryland premiums begin in January 2027, with benefits starting January 2028.

Benefits are usually 50% to 90% of your average weekly wages, up to a state cap, for 6 to 12 weeks depending on the state.

No. You must be currently employed. Paid family leave replaces your own wages while you are on leave; it does not pay non-working caregivers or pay for ongoing caregiving.

Apply through your state's labor or workforce department, or through your HR department when leave begins. Most states require at least 30 days' notice to your employer when the leave is foreseeable.

Generally, yes, though the rules vary by state.