State paid family leave: getting paid while you care.
Federal FMLA gives you job protection but doesn't pay you. A growing number of states now replace part of your wages while you're on caregiving leave, sometimes for several months.
The full guide covers:
- Every state with active paid family leave, including new 2026 programs in Minnesota, Delaware, and Maine
- How wage replacement actually works (typically 60–90% of weekly pay) and where the caps land
- Which family relationships qualify, broader than most people think
- The application process, what medical certification you'll need, and notice rules
- What to do if your state doesn't have paid leave yet
- Your state's specific program, pulled from our state database
States with active paid family leave for caregivers
As of recent years, these states have paid family leave programs that include caregiving for a seriously ill family member (program rules and exact coverage vary):
- California, Paid Family Leave (PFL), up to 8 weeks
- New York, Paid Family Leave, up to 12 weeks
- New Jersey, Family Leave Insurance, up to 12 weeks
- Washington, Paid Family and Medical Leave, up to 12 weeks (18 in some cases)
- Massachusetts, Paid Family and Medical Leave, up to 12 weeks
- Connecticut, Paid Family and Medical Leave, up to 12 weeks
- Rhode Island, Temporary Caregiver Insurance, up to 8 weeks (as of Jan 2026, up from 6)
- Oregon, Paid Leave Oregon, up to 12 weeks
- Colorado, FAMLI, up to 12 weeks
- Minnesota, Minnesota Paid Leave, up to 12 weeks (NEW Jan 2026)
- Delaware, Delaware Paid Leave, up to 6 weeks family caregiving (NEW Jan 2026)
- Maine, Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave, up to 12 weeks (benefits begin May 1, 2026)
- Maryland, Family and Medical Leave Insurance (premiums begin Jan 2027, benefits Jan 2028)
- District of Columbia, Paid Family Leave, up to 12 weeks
Other states are actively considering similar programs. Search your state's labor department or paid leave website for current status.
How wage replacement typically works
Most programs replace a percentage of your average weekly wage, often 60% to 90%, with lower-income workers usually replaced at the higher end. There's a weekly maximum that caps the benefit.
Example: in Washington, a worker earning $1,000/week might receive about $900/week (90%); a higher earner is capped at the state maximum (which adjusts annually).
Who's covered
Most state programs cover most W-2 employees who've worked enough hours in the state. Self-employed people can sometimes opt in. Federal employees, certain seasonal workers, and very small employers may be excluded, check your state's specifics.
The family members you can take leave to care for varies, but typically include: spouse, domestic partner, parent, child, parent-in-law, grandparent, grandchild, and sibling. Some states extend to "chosen family" or "any individual with a close personal relationship."
How to apply (general pattern)
- Get medical certification. A doctor confirms your family member has a serious health condition requiring care.
- Notify your employer in writing. Required notice periods vary; 30 days for foreseeable leave is typical.
- Apply through the state's online portal. Each state has one, search "[state] paid family leave apply."
- Submit weekly claims while on leave. Most states pay weekly or biweekly after approval.
If you're in a state without paid leave
You still have FMLA's job protection if you qualify. Beyond that, options are narrower but exist:
- Check if your employer offers paid family leave as a benefit (more do every year)
- Some states have unpaid leave laws covering smaller employers than FMLA
- Short-term disability, if you're caring for someone whose situation has worsened your own health, may be relevant
- Some employers will allow leave donation from coworkers' PTO banks
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