As of September 2023, most Oregon workers were eligible for paid family and medical leave under Oregon’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) law. An employer may opt-out of the state program by having a state-approved private plan.
PFML is available to covered individuals who work in Oregon, including part-time and seasonal employees who have earned at least $1,000 the year prior to an application for benefits.
Federal employees, tribal governments and railroad employees covered under the federal Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act, are excluded from this law. Tribal governments and self-employed individuals can voluntarily opt-in.
| Coverage options | State plan or state approved private plan. Principal® offers a fully insured private plan option. |
|---|---|
| Funding | Premiums are 1.0% of wages to the Social Security contribution limit. The rate is reviewed annually; however, by statute, will never be greater than 1.0%.
If an employer chooses a private plan, employees cannot contribute more than they would under the state plan. |
Waiting period | There is no waiting period. If eligible, an employee may receive benefits beginning the first day of their leave. |
Benefit | The average weekly wage (AWW) that is equal to or less than 65% of the state average weekly wage (SAWW) is replaced at a rate of 100%; then, the portion of AAW that is more than 65% of SAWW, is replaced at a rate of 50%. |
| Maximum benefit | Set annually at 120% of the current SAWW, effective July 1 through June 30 of the following year. For the current SAWW, please refer to our Statutory & PFML Benefit Highlights resource. |
Benefit duration (within a 52 consecutive week period) | Up to 12 weeks of combined family and medical leave per benefit year. Individuals may take an additional 2 weeks (14 total), for pregnancy, childbirth or other related circumstances; however, this is only available to the parent who is/was pregnant. |
Get more information from the State of Oregon.
Oregon’s PFML website Employer FAQ Employer’s Guide to PFML
Submitting a claim
To start a PFML claim in Oregon, complete and
Or, complete and submit the appropriate PFML claim form:
Bond with a child (PDF) Serious health condition (PDF) Family violence (PDF)
We’re here to help by offering a state-approved voluntary private plan. When you have other group insurance products with us, it’s easy to add this solution. Plus, you get the same top-level service that comes with any of our products.
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 an Oregon employer. Our fully insured product is available to employers who offer at least one other qualifying, insured Principal product (group term life
Get more information about the private plan solution from Principal.
Learn about our alternative solution to the state plan (PDF) Share with employees (PDF)
Talk to your financial professional to design a benefit offering that meets the specific needs of your business and employees.