Maryland Paid Family & Medical Leave (MD PFML)
Maryland's mandated Paid Family and Medical Leave (MD PFML) program will provide job protected leave and wage replacement benefits.
Maryland legislature recently passed Senate Bill (SB) 828, which modifies the state’s upcoming PFML program. Among other changes, SB 828 delays the start date for PFML contributions from October 1, 2023, to October 1, 2024 and delays the start date when employees can begin applying for benefits from January 1, 2025 to January 1, 2026.
Starting January 1, 2026, eligible MD workers will have access to paid medical leave (PML) if they are unable to work due to injury or illness, including pregnancy and childbirth or for paid family leave (PFL) to bond with a new child, to address a military exigency and to care for a seriously ill family member (including a military caregiver).
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 employer plan.
Job Protection: The MD PFML coverage is job protected; however, an employer may terminate an employee’s employment and deny job restoration for cause. When applicable, leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) will run concurrently.
Benefits:
Contributions:
Contributions for the state program are being defined by the Secretary of Labor. The law contemplates that both employees and employers will contribute to the state program.
Key Dates:
As of August 30, 2023
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.