Oregon Paid Family & Medical Leave (OR PFML)
The Oregon Paid Family & Medical Leave (OR PFML) program was enacted in August 2019, and on January 1, 2023 employee payroll contributions begin. Starting September 3, 2023, benefits are payable. OR PFML will provide wage replacement benefits to eligible OR workers who need time off from work for their own serious health condition, or medical leave (ML), and for Paid Family Leave (PFL). Workers may be eligible for ML if they are unable to work due to a non-work-related injury or illness, including pregnancy and childbirth. Workers may be eligible for PFL to care for a seriously ill family member, to bond with a new child, and to address matters related to being a victim of family violence.
Coverage Options: Employers can participate in the state-run program or opt-out for an equivalent plan that can be insured, or they can self-insure the paid family and medical coverage with a private plan. MetLife intends to offer both insured and self-insured private plan administration.
Job Protection: The OR PFML coverage is job protected as an extension of the Oregon Family Leave Act (OFLA). When applicable, a worker should request leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) concurrently.
Benefits: As of September 3, 2023, employees are able to take 12 weeks (extra 2 weeks for complications related to pregnancy) paid leave and an additional 4 weeks of unpaid leave. Effective July 1, 2023, the State of Oregon has announced the new State Average Weekly Wage (SAWW) which will increase from $1,224.82 to $1,269.69. As a result, the 2023-2024 Oregon PFML benefits will be the following starting on July 1, 2023:
Contributions: Beginning January 1, 2023, contributions will be 1% of an employee’s wage, up to a maximum based on the social security wage index. Contributions can be split between the employer (40%) and the employee payroll deduction (60%).
Key Dates:
As of September 3, 2023
Check out this short video for more information.
The information presented in this brochure 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 in this brochure 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 these laws will affect you. Like most insurance policies, insurance policies offered by MetLife and its affiliates contain certain exclusions, exceptions, waiting periods, reductions, limitations, and terms for keeping them in force. Please contact MetLife or your plan administrator for complete details. Further, the information in this brochure does not reflect MetLife’s or any particular employer’s internal policies or the benefits available to its employees. All employees, regardless of employer, should consult with their own HR, benefits manager, or visit their HR website for information on the benefits available to them.