Mainers with Approved Applications Can Begin Leave Through New Paid Family & Medical Leave Program Tomorrow

April 30, 2026

For Immediate Release: April 30, 2026

Mainers with Approved Applications Can Begin Leave Through New Paid Family & Medical Leave Program Tomorrow

AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Labor today announced another major milestone for the Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave Program: leaves for qualifying events will officially begin May 1. The first weekly benefit payments through the state plan will be made on May 7.

While early applications could be submitted beginning on March 30, individual's leave must have been occurring on or after May 1 to be approved.

The number of applicants has been consistent with the actuarial estimate. Since March 30, the Department has received over 2,000 applications for the state plan. (Note: Some employees are covered by their employers private plan, rather than the state plan. Before applying, employees considering leave should talk to their employer to find out the next steps they should take to apply to the state or a private plan.)

"After years of work, this moment is about delivery. PFML ensures people can take the time they need for life's most important moments without sacrificing their financial security," said Senate President Mattie Daughtry. "I've seen how much it means for people to have the space to step away when it matters - whether that's welcoming a child, caring for a loved one, or taking care of their own health without the added pressure of falling behind. I'm incredibly grateful to the Department of Labor for their dedication to implementing this program with care and precision. Seeing these benefits go into effect is a surreal and historic moment for Maine people."

"This program represents a major step forward for Maine's workers, families, and businesses," said Laura Fortman, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Labor. "Paid Family and Medical Leave gives people time to care for themselves and their loved ones with some financial support, reducing stress and making leave more possible. When families are supported, workplaces and communities across Maine are stronger."

"Maine has taken a huge step forward in recognizing that care work is work - and that the large majority of that work is done by women, who shouldn't have to choose between their livelihoods and caring for themselves or a loved one," said Destie Hohman Sprague, Executive Director of the Maine Women's Lobby. "This carefully-planned program is now ready to make sure nearly all working Mainers across the lifespan are able to take the time they need to heal, care and make Maine a healthier, happier place to live."

The Paid Family and Medical Leave program provides up to 12 weeks of benefits for key life events. Benefits are flexible and portable. Eligible leave can be for:

• Medical Leave: For times when a serious health condition keeps an individual from working.

• Parental Leave: Time to bond with a new child.

• Family Care Leave: Time to care for a loved one with a serious health condition.

• Military Family Leave: Time to prepare for a family member's deployment.

• Safe Leave: Time to find safety when an individual or a family member is the victim of abuse, violence, or sexual assault.

PFML Resources for Workers and Employers

The Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave website, https://www.maine.gov/paidleave/, has more information for workers who want to submit an application. The application and approval process will be administered by Aflac on behalf of the State of Maine.

When you visit https://www.maine.gov/paidleave/ you'll also find:

• An overview of Paid Family and Medical Leave and the different types of leave.

• Guidance on how to apply for benefits.

• Tips on how to manage a claim once submitted.

• A Benefit Estimator to give workers a sense of what their partial wage replacement benefits might look like while on leave.

• FAQs in multiple languages.

• The link to Aflacs website to submit an application, and the number to call to apply by phone.

To get the most up-to-date information and access to resources, individuals and businesses are encouraged to sign up for MDOL's Paid Family and Medical Leave 'Get Notified' List at https://www.maine.gov/paidleave/ .

Beyond helping workers, Paid Family and Medical Leave strengthens Maine's businesses by helping them to retain talent and stay competitive. Maine joins 13 other states and the District of Columbia that have enacted similar programs to support workers while ensuring employers can maintain a stable, skilled workforce.

Paid Family and Medical Leave at a Glance

The Paid Family and Medical Leave law went into effect in October 2023 and has been implemented by the Maine Department of Labor.

Since January 2025, both Maine workers and employers have helped to fund the program through a payroll contribution. For businesses with 15 or more employees, the contribution is 1% of wages, split evenly between the employee and employer (0.5% each). For smaller businesses with fewer than 15 employees, the total contribution is 0.5% and employers may withhold the full cost from their workers' paychecks. Self-employed workers can elect coverage for themselves by submitting their request through the Maine Paid Leave Contributions Portal and submitting contributions. Beyond providing critical financial support for workers, the program also helps strengthen Maines workforce. Paid Family and Medical Leave programs help employers improve retention and reduce turnover in the long run.