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Maine Paid Leave Contributions Portal – Coming Soon!

The online system for employers to register their business information, designate a payroll processor, file quarterly wage reports, and remit quarterly premium contributions will be coming this winter.  The portal will also allow self-employed individuals and tribal governments to elect coverage.  Stay up to date by signing up for the PFML Get Notified List and learn more in our FAQ section below.



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On July 11, 2023, Governor Mills signed an historic budget that includes the creation of a paid family and medical leave program, making Maine the 13th state to establish one. Beginning in 2026, eligible workers in the private and public sector will have 12 weeks of paid time off available to them for family or medical reasons including illness, to care for a relative, or for the birth of a child.


The image shows a timeline for PFML implementation, starting with law enactment on October 25, 2023. The PFML Authority will be appointed by January 1, 2024. Rulemaking will begin during spring 2024. Payroll contributions begin January 2025. Benefits are scheduled to begin May 2026.

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Maine’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Program is established in Title 26 § 850-A through § 850-R. The law can be found here: https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/statutes/26/title26sec850-A.html

The Department has issued updated proposed rules, which can be found here: https://www.maine.gov/labor/rulemaking/ .

Video

  • Video of the initial rulemaking hearing in June can be found here:
    June 10, 2024 (YouTube)
  • Video of the second public hearing on the proposed rule can be found here: September 17, 2024 (YouTube)

Listening Sessions

MDOL held informal listening sessions to provide an opportunity for interested parties to share invaluable feedback about components of the new Paid Family and Medical Leave legislation. Recordings of these sessions can be watched below:

  • January 25, 2024 from 5:30pm-7pm - Contributions (YouTube)
  • February 1, 2024 from 5:30pm-7pm - Eligibility (YouTube)
  • February 12, 2024 from 5:30pm-7pm - Private Plans (YouTube)
  • February 28, 2024 from 5:30pm-7pm - Any provisions related to the PFML law (YouTube)

These informal listening sessions do not replace and is in addition to the formal regulatory process governed by the Maine Administrative Procedures Act (MAPA).

  • PFML Program Established: October 25, 2023 
  • Authority Appointed: January 1, 2024 
  • Rulemaking begins: Spring 2024 
  • Payroll contributions begin: January 1, 2025 
  • Benefits begin: May 1, 2026 

Director - Luke Monahan was born in Western Maine, and is the son of a small business owner. He attended Bowdoin College, and then Northeastern University for graduate studies. He started his career with case management non-profits in Southern Maine, working with jail diversion programs, with community support services for unhoused populations in Portland area, and with at risk youth diverted from secure detention. With the State of Maine, he brings over 12 years program administration experience with the Department of Corrections and Department of Health and Human Services. Most recently, he has acted as the Associate Director for the Division of Disability Determination Services with the Department of Health and Human Services, an office that was tasked with making the medical determinations of the Social Security Disability Insurance program.

Deputy Director – Reggie Parson currently serves as Deputy Director for the Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave Program with the Maine Department of Labor. Prior to his current role, he served as legislative staff in the House Majority Office and for two former Maine House Speakers from 2019 to 2023.  He has a Master of Public Administration from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and a Juris Doctor with a Pro bono publico Award with distinction from the University of Maine School of Law.

This FAQ is based on the best information available prior to the adoption of rules for the PFML program. This information is subject to change.

  • FAQ: General Information (Word) (PDF) - English

Note: Due to recent updates to the overview PowerPoint we are also in the process of updating the PowerPoints in Arabic, French, Haitian/Creole, Lingala, Portuguese, Somali and Spanish. Thank your for your patience at this time.

Visit the The Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Authority web page

Worker-Focused Webinars

Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave and Maine Paid Leave Coalition Webinar

Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave and Maine Immigrants' Rights Coalition Webinar

Employer-Focused Webinars

Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave and Maine State Chamber of Commerce Webinar

Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave and National Federation of Independent Business in Maine (NFIB) Webinar