Maryland paid family and medical leave
Beginning January 1, 2026, most Maryland workers will be eligible for paid family and medical leave under Maryland’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) law.
PFML is available to covered individuals who work in Maryland. This includes individuals who have worked 680 hours in the 12 months prior to leave.
An employer may opt out of the state program by having a state-approved voluntary plan.
Key features
|
Coverage options |
State plan or state-approved voluntary private plan |
|---|---|
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Funding begins July 1, 2025 |
|
|
Waiting period |
0 days |
|
Benefit (begins July 1, 2026) |
Weekly benefit is calculated at 90% of employees’ average weekly wages—up to 65% of the state’s current average weekly wage. Plus, employees receive 50% of their average weekly wages that are above 65% of the state’s current average weekly wage. |
|
Maximum benefit |
$1,000 per week effective January 1, 2025 |
|
Benefit duration (within a 52 consecutive week period) |
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Get more information from the state of Maryland.
Principal® will offer a solution
Principal will begin quoting Maryland PFML plans by the end of 2024. Our state-approved voluntary private plan will be available when you have other group insurance products with us.
You can be assured Principal is committed to offering a private plan that meets your obligation under the paid family and medical leave law as a Maryland employer. Our fully insured product is available to employers who offer at least one other qualifying, insured Principal product (group term life*, dental, vision, or long-term disability) and have 10 or more employees working in Maryland.
Get more information about the private plan solution from Principal.
Want to learn more?
Talk to your financial professional to design a benefit offering that meets the specific needs of your business and employees.