State Leave Laws
Compare paid family leave programs across all 50 states and DC
Federal FMLA vs. State Programs: Federal FMLA provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for eligible employees at covered employers (50+ employees). State programs often provide paid wage replacement and may cover smaller employers or more qualifying reasons.
You may qualify for both! State paid leave provides income, while FMLA/state job protection laws protect your position. They can run concurrently.
States with Paid Leave Programs (13)
These states offer paid wage replacement for qualifying family and medical leave. Click any state for full details including forms and eligibility requirements.
California
California Family Rights Act (CFRA) + Paid Family Leave (PFL)
Since 2004 (PFL), 2021 (expanded CFRA)
Duration
8 wks
Max/Week
$1620
Employer
5+ emp
Colorado
Colorado FAMLI (Family and Medical Leave Insurance)
Since 2024
Duration
12 wks
Max/Week
$1100
Employer
1+ emp
Connecticut
Connecticut Paid Leave
Since 2022
Duration
12 wks
Max/Week
$900
Employer
1+ emp
Delaware
Delaware Paid Family and Medical Leave
Since 2026
Duration
12 wks
Max/Week
$900
Employer
10+ emp
District of Columbia
DC Paid Family Leave
Since 2020
Duration
12 wks
Max/Week
$1118
Employer
1+ emp
Maryland
Maryland Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI)
Since 2026
Duration
12 wks
Max/Week
$1000
Employer
1+ emp
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML)
Since 2021
Duration
12 wks
Max/Week
$1149
Employer
1+ emp
Minnesota
Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave
Since 2026
Duration
12 wks
Max/Week
$1252
Employer
1+ emp
New Jersey
New Jersey Family Leave Insurance (FLI)
Since 2009
Duration
12 wks
Max/Week
$1055
Employer
1+ emp
New York
New York Paid Family Leave (PFL)
Since 2018
Duration
12 wks
Max/Week
$1151
Employer
1+ emp
Oregon
Oregon Paid Leave
Since 2023
Duration
12 wks
Max/Week
$1523
Employer
1+ emp
Rhode Island
Rhode Island Temporary Caregiver Insurance (TCI)
Since 2014
Duration
6 wks
Max/Week
$1043
Employer
1+ emp
Washington
Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML)
Since 2020
Duration
12 wks
Max/Week
$1456
Employer
1+ emp
States without State-Mandated Paid Leave (38)
These states rely on federal FMLA for job protection (unpaid). Some have limited protections or voluntary programs—check individual listings for details. Your employer may still offer paid leave as a benefit.
Alabama
Federal FMLA only
Alaska
Federal FMLA only
Arizona
Federal FMLA only
Arkansas
Federal FMLA only
Florida
Federal FMLA only
Georgia
Federal FMLA only
Hawaii
Hawaii has Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) but no comprehensive paid family leave program.
Idaho
Federal FMLA only
Illinois
Federal FMLA only
Indiana
Federal FMLA only
Iowa
Federal FMLA only
Kansas
Federal FMLA only
Kentucky
Federal FMLA only
Louisiana
Federal FMLA only
Maine
Maine has passed a paid family leave law taking effect in 2026.
Michigan
Federal FMLA only
Mississippi
Federal FMLA only
Missouri
Federal FMLA only
Montana
Federal FMLA only
Nebraska
Federal FMLA only
Nevada
Federal FMLA only
New Hampshire
Federal FMLA only
New Mexico
Federal FMLA only
North Carolina
Federal FMLA only
North Dakota
Federal FMLA only
Ohio
Federal FMLA only
Oklahoma
Federal FMLA only
Pennsylvania
Federal FMLA only
South Carolina
Federal FMLA only
South Dakota
Federal FMLA only
Tennessee
Federal FMLA only
Texas
Federal FMLA only
Utah
Federal FMLA only
Vermont
Vermont has parental leave protections but no comprehensive paid family leave program.
Virginia
Federal FMLA only
West Virginia
Federal FMLA only
Wisconsin
Federal FMLA only
Wyoming
Federal FMLA only
Understanding State Leave Programs
Wage Replacement
The percentage of your regular wages you receive while on leave. Most programs use a progressive formula—lower earners get a higher percentage (up to 90-100%), while higher earners may receive 60-67%.
Maximum Weekly Benefit
A cap on weekly payments regardless of your actual wages. High earners may receive less than their calculated wage replacement due to this cap.
Employer Size Requirement
The minimum number of employees your employer must have for you to be covered. Many state programs cover ALL employers (1+), unlike federal FMLA which requires 50+.
Job Protection
The right to return to your job (or equivalent) after leave. Some state programs include job protection; others only provide wage replacement—you'd need FMLA or a separate state law for job protection.
Funding Source
How the program is paid for. Most are funded through small payroll deductions (employee-only or shared with employer). DC is unique—100% employer-funded.
Covered Reasons
What you can take leave for. Common reasons: new child bonding, caring for family, own serious health condition. Some states add domestic violence ("safe leave") or broader family definitions.
Important Notice
State leave laws change frequently. Benefits, eligibility, and effective dates shown here are for general reference only. Always verify current requirements with your state's official program website or an employment attorney before making decisions about your leave.
Federal vs State Leave
Federal FMLA
- • 12 weeks unpaid leave
- • 50+ employee requirement
- • 12-month, 1,250-hour tenure
- • Job protection guaranteed
- • Limited family definition
State Programs
- • Paid wage replacement
- • Often covers ALL employers
- • Broader family definitions
- • May include safe leave
- • Funded by payroll taxes