Passed by the Legislature in 2017, Paid Family and Medical Leave is a state program that offers workers in Washington the opportunity to receive partial wage replacement when taking leave to recover from an illness or injury, to bond with a new child, to care for a sick or injured family member, or for certain military connected events. Beginning in 2020, workers will be able to take up to 12 weeks, as needed, for any of the above listed circumstances. While employees cannot utilize benefits until January 1, 2020, employers must meet certain requirements by January 1, 2019. Learn more about how to prepare as an employer.

Have opinions and feedback on the new program? The rulemaking for this program is currently ongoing!

Stakeholders are encouraged to submit comments through the Employment Security Department (ESD) rulemaking portal.