For Workers and their Families


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

Pre-applications for leaves starting on or after May 1st are now open under the worker
and self-employed pages.


 

This is the header graphic for the PFML Workers page.




WHO QUALIFIES AND WHAT’S COVERED

Starting in May 2026, workers who’ve earned enough in wages for work in Maine can take up to 12 weeks of paid leave for life’s most critical moments.

Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave covers:

  • Medical Leave: For times when a serious health condition keeps you 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 from abuse or violence.

This is a graphic showing an adult and a child.

 

HOW TO APPLY FOR PAID LEAVE

  1. Talk to your employer at least 30 days before your leave, unless it is an emergency. Start by having a conversation with your employer, then put your leave request in writing.
  2. Submit an application with Aflac, online or by phone.
  3. Aflac will send the required forms based on why you need leave.
  4. Receive approval and partial wage replacement, so you can focus on what matters.
  5. Return to your job. Your position, or an equivalent one, will be protected if you’ve been employed by your employer for at least 120 consecutive days.




WORKER RESOURCES

  • الأسئلة الشائعة لموظفي PFML (Word) (PDF) - Arabic
  • PFML Employee FAQ (Word) (PDF) - English
  • FAQ des employés de PFML (Word) (PDF) - French
  • FAQ Anplwaye PFML yo (Word) (PDF) - Haitian/Creole
  • FAQ ya Mosali ya PFML (Word) (PDF) - Lingala
  • Perguntas frequentes dos funcionários da PFML (Word) (PDF) - Portuguese
  • FAQ ee Shaqaalaha PFML (Word) (PDF) - Somali
  • Preguntas frecuentes de los empleados de PFML (Word) (PDF) - Spanish


General Information

Worker-Focused Webinars

  • Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave: What Employees Need to Know Before May 2026 Webinar

PFML Translated Informational Videos for employees


Have questions? Visit the Worker Protections web page


Have questions about worker appeals?
Visit the Workers Appeals web page


Have questions? Visit the Contact Us web page



SUBMIT AN APPLICATION

Log in to the Aflac Employee Portal if you need to apply for Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave.