Virginia Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)¶
Virginia's Paid Family and Medical Leave program will provide paid, job-protected leave for eligible workers to care for a family member with a serious health condition, bond with a new child, recover from their own serious health condition, address military family needs, or take safe leave related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The program is not yet paying benefits: VEC program development runs during 2026-2027, payroll contributions begin April 1, 2028, and benefits become available December 1, 2028.
NOT YET PAYING BENEFITS - program development runs during 2026-2027; payroll contributions begin April 1, 2028; benefits become available December 1, 2028. Eligible workers may receive up to 12 weeks of paid leave for bonding with a new child, recovering from a serious health condition, caring for a family member with a serious health condition, military family needs, or safe leave related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Benefits are expected to replace approximately 80% of weekly wages, capped at 100% of the statewide average weekly wage. The program will be administered by the Virginia Employment Commission and funded through payroll contributions generally shared by covered employers and employees. Self-employed individuals may opt in, employers may offer approved private plans, and small businesses are exempt from employer contributions.