For Self-Employed Mainers


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.


This is the header graphic for the PFML Self-Employed information page.


CHOOSING COVERAGE AS A SELF-EMPLOYED MAINER

If you’re self-employed, you can choose to participate in Maine’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program. Opting in is voluntary, but it gives you access to the same benefits as other covered workers—up to 12 weeks of paid leave for life’s most important and unexpected moments.

When you opt in, you’ll contribute a small percentage of your self-employment income to the program just like other Mainers are contributing a small percentage of their paychecks. You’ll be covered in case life happens and you need to take time to care for yourself or a loved one.


 

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HOW TO OPT IN

  1. Click the ELECT COVERAGE button above, register for an account, and follow the instructions.
  2. Begin making contributions based on your self-employment income.
    Contributions must be included in wage reports.

IF YOU EMPLOY OTHERS

If you’re self-employed and also hire employees, don’t forget your responsibilities as an employer. Click here to learn more.






SELF-EMPLOYED RESOURCES

  • الأسئلة الشائعة: التغطية المنتخبة (Word) (PDF) – Arabic
  • FAQ: Elected Coverage (Word) (PDF) – English
  • FAQ : Couverture électorale (Word) (PDF) – French
  • FAQ: Kouvèti Eli (Word) (PDF) – Haitian/Creole
  • FAQ: Couverture oyo eponami (Word) (PDF) – Lingala
  • FAQ: Cobertura Eleita (Word) (PDF) – Portuguese
  • FAQ: Daboolista la doortay (Word) (PDF) – Somali
  • Preguntas frecuentes: Cobertura elegida (Word) (PDF) – Spanish

The Maine Paid Leave Contributions Portal. 

Review helpful guides about using the portal below:



Have questions? Visit the Contact Us web page