The Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (MA PFML) law allows workers to take paid time off for a serious health condition or to care for family members and provides job protection during approved leaves.
Paid Family and Medical Leave is a statewide program that allows eligible employees paid time off for:
Covered family member includes: spouses, domestic partners, children (biological, adoptive and foster), parents, parents-in-law, grandparents, grandchildren and siblings.
Benefits were payable beginning January 1, 2021, for an employee’s own serious health condition, bonding with a new child, military exigency, and care of a service member. Benefits began July 1, 2021, for care of a seriously-ill family member.
Most all Massachusetts employers, and out of state employers that have employees working in Massachusetts, are required to participate. However, some employers and employment types are considered to be excluded employment under MA PFML law. For more information on employer’s obligations and assistance in determine employee eligibility, visit MA Employer's Guide to Paid Family and Medical Leave.
Covered employers have the option to file for an exemption from the state-run program administered by the Department of Family and Medical Leave and secure coverage through a private insurance plan offered by an insurance carrier or to self-fund. Learn more about the Paid Family and Medical Leave exemption application process for employers.
Private plan exemptions can be filed anytime. If approved by the state, the exemption will go into effect the first of the quarter following the approval.
Covered individuals may be eligible to receive up to:
The total combined amount of paid leave an employee can take in one benefit year is 26 weeks. Leave may be taken on a continuous, reduced or intermittent schedule depending on the leave type and subject to agreement between the employer and employee as appropriate.
The weekly benefit amount is based on the individual’s earnings, with a maximum benefit of 64 percent of the Massachusetts statewide average weekly wage. For 2023, the maximum benefit is $1,129.82 per week.
Benefits are subject to change annually as set forth by the Massachusetts Department of Family and Medical Leave (DFML) and will be adjusted no later than October 1 for each upcoming year.
Guardian has a private plan option to assist covered employers in meeting their obligation to provide Massachusetts’ state mandated PFML coverage.
Our product offering is fully-insured, state-approved and competitively priced. Plus, our digital capabilities can make administration easier – with online claims submission and access to bills, policies, and reports.
You can count on:
Please contact your Guardian Group Sales Consultant or broker for quoting requirements and additional information concerning a MA PFML private plan option through Guardian.
Guardian has provided employers with statutory disability plans for more than a decade, taking a consultative approach to bring the right resources together for successful PFML plan implementation and management, no matter the level of complexity. Our management of PFML plans helps ensure that any Human Resources team can meet the challenge of efficiently managing employee leaves while easing administrative burden and enhancing compliance.
Our Guardian Absence SolutionsSMcan help reduce the administrative burden and enhance compliance with the integrated management of STD and LTD benefits, state and federal family medical leaves, and company leaves. Available to companies with 50 or more employees, employers can choose from a variety of plans and service options, including ADA support. Effective employee leave management is key to ensuring your business remains compliant with state laws, helping you to avoid costly fines.
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