Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave


Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits will start May 1st, 2026

Pre-applications for leaves starting on or after May 1st will open in April and links to apply will be added at that time. Please sign up for the “Stay Connected” email list below to get the latest information as it’s released.


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I am an Employer


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I am a Worker


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I am Self-Employed

BENEFITS EXPLAINED:

What is Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave?

Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) is a statewide program that ensures Mainers can take time away from work for life’s most critical moments — without losing their income or their job. Beginning in May 2026, eligible workers can apply for up to 12 weeks of paid time to step away for medical, parental, family care, military family, or safe leave.

This program provides financial security, job protection, and peace of mind for workers, while giving businesses the tools they need to plan ahead and support their teams.




KEY BENEFITS

Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) gives you the support you need to care for yourself and your loved ones. Here’s a quick look at what
the program offers.

 

Up to 12 Weeks

Eligible workers can take up to 12 weeks of paid time off in a benefit year.


Partial Wage Replacemant

If your PFML request is approved, you’ll receive a portion of your usual income so you don’t have to choose between caring for yourself or your loved ones and financial stability.

Benefits Begin May 2026

Benefits will only be paid for time out of work occurring on or after May 1, 2026.


Reasons for Leave

Maine PFML covers medical leave, parental leave, family care leave, military family leave, and safe leave.

Job Protection

If you’ve worked for your employer for at least 120 consecutive days, your job, or an equivalent one, will be there when you return.

Portable Benefits

Once you’ve earned enough to be eligible, you can switch jobs without losing coverage. You won’t have job protection right away at your new job, but if your claim is approved, you’ll get partial wage replacement benefits.


Stay Connected

Sign up to get updates on deadlines, new resources, and tools to help you prepare for Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave.

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PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS AND LEGAL RESOURCES

Learn more about Maine’s Paid Family and Medical Leave law, program rules, and official press releases.


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 finalized rules for the Paid Family and Medical Leave Program can be found here (PDF)

The basis statement and response to comments from the first and second public comment period can be found here (Word).

A marked-up version of the final rules, which tracks the changes between the two public comment periods, can be found here (Word).  Please note that:

  • Original rule language that is unchanged is regular black font with a single underline.
  • Additions from the first proposed rules to the second proposed rules are italicized blue font with a single underline. Deletions between the first proposed rule and the second proposed rule are red font with a strike-through and single underline.
  • Additions from the second proposed rules to the final rules are italicized green font with a double underline.  Deletions between the second proposed rule and the final rule are orange font with a strike-through and a double underline.

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)


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


Have questions? Visit the Contact Us web page