Understanding types of family and medical leave
There are many reasons why an employee may need time away from work—recovering from an illness, bonding with a baby, or caring for an injured service member—to name just a few.
Your employees may be eligible to use federal or state leave programs, including paid family and medical leave (PFML) or paid family leave (PFL), state disability insurance (SDI), and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
State programs
The number of states offering paid family and medical leave continues to grow. That’s why it’s important to understand which states offer paid family and medical leave—and/or state disability insurance—and the highlights of each program.
Types of leave programs
Paid family and medical leave (PFML) and paid family leave (PFL)
Some states have laws that require paid time off for employees working in those states, regardless of the employer’s location. Principal offers a solution in select states.
You may be required to provide eligible workers a portion of their pay when they’re unable to work due to non-work-related illness or injury, pregnancy, childbirth, care for a sick or injured family member, bond with a new child, or certain military-related events.
If you have employees working in states with state-mandated short-term disability insurance (SDI), you may need to provide SDI consistent with state requirements. It’s required to cover non-occupational disabilities and pregnancy. Principal offers a solution in select states.
If you have 50+ employees, this federal law may require you to offer job-protected, unpaid leave. It allows time away from work for bonding with a new child, or for employees (or a family member) having a serious health condition.
Principal offers a solution that helps with leave management administration of disability and FMLA absences. Employers having 100+ employees and short-term disability with Principal are eligible for this service.
Why it's important to also offer short-term disability insurance
Paid family and medical leave and state disability insurance programs are a great foundation for employees’ income protection. But it may not be enough for everyone—especially for those with incomes that exceed the maximum. Short-term disability insurance can help serve as a personal safety net for employees if they’re too sick or hurt to work.
Principal offers short-term disability insurance in all states. Talk to your financial professional to design a benefit offering that meets the specific needs of your business and employees.