Delaware
Delaware Paid Family & Medical Leave (DE PFML)
Delaware Paid Family & Medical Leave (DE PFML)
On May 10, 2022, Delaware’s Governor, John Carney signed the Healthy Delaware Families Act, which creates the statewide Delaware Paid Family and medical Leave insurance program (DE PFML). This program will offer job protection and wage replacement benefits. Starting January 1, 2026, eligible DE workers will have access to paid medical leave (PML) if they are unable to work due to injury or illness, including pregnancy and childbirth, paid parental leave (PPL) to bond with a new child or for paid family leave (PFL) to address a military exigence and to care for a family member with a serious health condition.
The state will be developing their own program and adopt regulations to support the law. Like the other states under development, MetLife will be actively engaged throughout this process to ensure our customers’ needs are considered during this
development process.
Coverage Options: : Employers will be able to participate in the state-run program or they can self-insure or fully insure a private plan. Employers may offer DE PFML benefits to employees outside of Delaware.
Mandated coverage is determined by employer size:
In the previous 12 months,
- Employers with 10 – 24 employees in state: PPL only
- Employers with 25+ employees: PFL, PML, and PPL benefits
- Small businesses can opt in and must participate for 3 years. Employee notice rules apply
Job Protection: Yes, similar to FMLA.
Benefits:
- Up to 12 weeks per application year for PPL
- 6 weeks in any 24-month period for PML and PFL combined
- Limitations may apply if two parents work for the same employer
Contributions:
Beginning January 1, 2025, contributions total 0.8%
- Medical leave benefits: 0.4% of wages for 2025 and 2026
- Family caregiving benefits: 0.08% of wages for 2025 and 2026
- Parental leave benefits: 0.32% of wages for 2025 and 2026
An employer can deduct up to 50% of the required contributions from the employee’s wages
Key Dates:
- January 1, 2025: Contributions begin
- January 1, 2026: Benefits started
As of March 1, 2023
What is Paid Family & Medical Leave?
The information presented on this website is not legal advice and should not be relied upon or construed as legal advice. It is not permissible for MetLife or its employees or agents to give legal advice. The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not purport to be complete or to cover every situation. You must consult with your own legal advisors to determine how the specific state’s Paid Family and Medical/Disability Leave law(s) will affect you.