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 medical, family, or safe leave reasons. Workers may be eligible for paid medical leave (PML) if they are unable to work due to a non-work-related injury or illness, including pregnancy and childbirth. Workers may be eligible for paid family leave (PFL) to care for a seriously ill family member or to bond with a new child. Paid Safe Leave (PSL) is also available to address medical or non-medical matters related to domestic violence, sexual assault, harassment, stalking, or bias crimes.
Coverage Options: Employers can participate in the state-run program or opt-out for a fully insured or self-funded equivalent plan. MetLife offers both insured and self-funded equivalent plan administration.
Job Protection: The OR PFML coverage is job protected when a worker has been employed for 90 consecutive calendar days with their current employer prior to taking paid leave for an OR PFML qualifying reason. When applicable, a worker should request leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) concurrently.
Benefits: Employees are able to take up to 12 weeks of paid medical, family, or safe leave per benefit year. Two additional weeks of paid medical leave can be added for limitations due to pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition including but not limited to lactation. Effective July 1, 2024, weekly benefit amounts are outlined below and apply to claimant benefit years that begin on or after July 7, 2024.
Contributions: The state contribution rate is currently 1% of an employee’s gross wage, up to a maximum based on the social security wage index ($168,600). Contributions can be split between the employer (40%) and the employee payroll deduction (60%).
*SAWW = State Average Weekly Wage
As of July 26, 2024
Check out this short video for more information.