Maine paid family and medical leave
Beginning May 1, 2026, most Maine workers will be eligible for paid family and medical leave under Maine’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) law.
PFML is available to covered individuals who work in Maine. This includes individuals who have earned at least six times the state’s average weekly wage that would be subject to premium in the 4 quarters prior to leave.
An employer may opt out of the state program by having a state-approved voluntary plan.
Key features
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Coverage options |
State plan or state-approved voluntary private plan |
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Funding begins January 1, 2025 |
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Waiting period |
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Benefit (begins May 1, 2026) |
Weekly benefit is calculated at 90% of employees’ average weekly wages—up to 50% of the state’s current average weekly wage. Plus, employees receive 66% of their average weekly wages that are above 50% of the state’s current average weekly wage. |
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Maximum benefit |
100% of the state's average weekly wage |
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Benefit duration (within a 52 consecutive week period) |
Combined paid family and medical leave – 12 weeks |
Get more information from the state of Maine.
Principal® will offer a solution
Principal will begin quoting Maine PFML plans by the end of first quarter 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 Maine 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 Maine.
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.