Skip to content

Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)

Maine's Paid Family and Medical Leave program provides up to 12 weeks of partial wage replacement for workers who need time off to care for a seriously ill family member, bond with a new child, recover from their own serious health condition, address domestic violence/abuse (safe leave), or handle military exigency. Maine was the 13th state to enact PFML. Contributions began January 1, 2025; benefits begin May 1, 2026. NOT YET PAYING BENEFITS as of February 2026. Uses a sliding-scale formula: up to 90% of wages, capped at 100% of the state average weekly wage. Covers all employers regardless of size. Claims administered by Aflac under contract with Maine DOL.

NOT YET PAYING BENEFITS — contributions began January 1, 2025; benefits begin May 1, 2026. Up to 12 weeks of wage replacement for family caregiving, parental bonding, own medical leave, safe leave (domestic violence/abuse), or military exigency. Sliding-scale formula: up to 90% of wages, capped at 100% of state average weekly wage (SAWW). Covered family members include spouse, domestic partner, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, and grandchild. Funded by 1% payroll tax for employers with 15+ employees (may deduct up to 50% from employee wages); 0.5% for employers with fewer than 15 employees (may deduct 100% from employee wages). Job protection provided after 120 days of employment. Intermittent leave available in 1-hour increments. Employees continue to accrue PTO and benefits while on leave. Self-employed individuals and tribal governments may elect coverage. Private plan substitution available. Claims administered by Aflac. Employer contributions portal: pfml.maine.gov. Benefits estimation tool available at maine.gov/paidleave/benefitcalculator.

Some details for this program are still being verified. Check the official source for the most current information.

Eligibility

  • Must be a resident of ME

Services

NOT YET PAYING BENEFITS — contributions began January 1, 2025; benefits begin May 1, 2026. Up to 12 weeks of wage replacement for family caregiving, parental bonding, own medical leave, safe leave (domestic violence/abuse), or military exigency. Sliding-scale formula: up to 90% of wages, capped at 100% of state average weekly wage (SAWW). Covered family members include spouse, domestic partner, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, and grandchild. Funded by 1% payroll tax for employers with 15+ employees (may deduct up to 50% from employee wages); 0.5% for employers with fewer than 15 employees (may deduct 100% from employee wages). Job protection provided after 120 days of employment. Intermittent leave available in 1-hour increments. Employees continue to accrue PTO and benefits while on leave. Self-employed individuals and tribal governments may elect coverage. Private plan substitution available. Claims administered by Aflac. Employer contributions portal: pfml.maine.gov. Benefits estimation tool available at maine.gov/paidleave/benefitcalculator.

How to apply

Apply online or find more information at the official program page.

  • fmla (companion): FMLA provides federal job protection for eligible employees; ME PFML provides state-level wage replacement and job protection after 120 days