Worker Protections


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.


Maine's Paid Family and Medical Leave program includes important protections to ensure that workers can take the time they need without the fear of losing their job or facing retaliation.

Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave protects your right to:

  • Return to your job (or a comparable one) when your leave ends.
  • Take Leave without retaliation or discrimination from your employer.
  • Appeal a denied benefit claim.
  • Correct a paid leave premium deduction that was made in error.

Learn more about your rights and what to do if you believe they've been violated via the linked resources below.

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JOB PROTECTION, RETALIATION, & DISCRIMINATION

If you've worked for your employer for at least 120 consecutive days, you are entitled to return to the same job or to a comparable position with similar pay, benefits, and working conditions when your leave ends.

Employers are prohibited from retaliating against workers who request or take paid leave. Retaliation may include:

  • Termination of employment
  • Reduction in pay or benefits
  • Disciplinary action
  • Threats or intimidation related to your leave

If you believe your rights have been violated, contact the Maine Bureau of Labor Standards, Wage and Hour Division: www.maine.gov/labor/complaint/ or call (207) 621-5024.

 

BENEFIT OR DENIAL DISPUTES

If your Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave claim is denied, either fully or partially:

  1. You must first request a reconsideration from the claims administrator.
  2. If your claim remains denied, you have the right to appeal to the Maine Department of Labor, even if your employer provides coverage through a private plan.


INCORRECT PREMIUM DEDUCTIONS

If you believe paid leave premiums have been incorrectly deducted from your paycheck, contact us at (207) 621-5024.






 

Stay Informed

Get updates from the Maine Department of Labor on paid leave and other workplace topics.

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