PFML State News

 

Last updated 6/2026

 

Stay up to date with Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) developments across the states. As PFML legislation and requirements continue to evolve, we'll keep you informed of important updates and changes in the states where we provide coverage. For easy reference, states with recent changes will be marked with an asterisk (*). Thank you for trusting us as your PFML provider.

 

Updates

 

Note: States with an asterisk have a new update

Colorado*

Update: Colorado Releases New SAWW and Weekly Benefit Maximum

Colorado has announced updated figures for the State Average Weekly Wage (SAWW) and Weekly Benefit Maximum under its paid family and medical leave program, effective July 1, 2026.

 

Updated Amounts

  • State Average Weekly Wage (SAWW): $1,608.91
  • Weekly Benefit Maximum: $1,448.02

In Colorado, the new SAWW applies to both new claims and active claims that carry over July 1, 2026, with any payments issued on or after that date expected to use the updated amount.

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IRS Revenue Ruling 2025-4: No Impact to Private PFML Plans

You may have seen recent updates about IRS Revenue Ruling 2025-4 and its delayed implementation until 2027. We want to clarify that these new tax rules only apply to state-administered Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) programs. The IRS created this guidance to create consistency in how different states handle federal income and employment taxes for their state-run programs.

As your private insurance carrier, we want to assure you that these changes do not affect how we will manage tax treatment for your paid medical or family leave contributions and benefits. Our current tax handling procedures remain unchanged.

Connecticut*

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IRS Revenue Ruling 2025-4: No Impact to Private PFML Plans

You may have seen recent updates about IRS Revenue Ruling 2025-4 and its delayed implementation until 2027. We want to clarify that these new tax rules only apply to state-administered Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) programs. The IRS created this guidance to create consistency in how different states handle federal income and employment taxes for their state-run programs.

As your private insurance carrier, we want to assure you that these changes do not affect how we will manage tax treatment for your paid medical or family leave contributions and benefits. Our current tax handling procedures remain unchanged.

Delaware*

Waiver Process: Employer Responsibilities and Guidance

As a private carrier for Delaware Paid Leave, we offer a waiver process that allows employers to temporarily exclude employees from coverage and premium contributions if they are not expected to qualify. Employers are responsible for properly completing, maintaining, and periodically reviewing waivers to ensure compliance, and must reinstate coverage if eligibility changes.

For questions or assistance, please reach out to your local sales representative.

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IRS Revenue Ruling 2025-4: No Impact to Private PFML Plans

You may have seen recent updates about IRS Revenue Ruling 2025-4 and its delayed implementation until 2027. We want to clarify that these new tax rules only apply to state-administered Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) programs. The IRS created this guidance to create consistency in how different states handle federal income and employment taxes for their state-run programs.

As your private insurance carrier, we want to assure you that these changes do not affect how we will manage tax treatment for your paid medical or family leave contributions and benefits. Our current tax handling procedures remain unchanged.

Maine*

Update: Maine PFML SAWW Increase Effective July 1

Maine has announced that the State Average Weekly Wage (SAWW) will increase to $1,249.12 from $1,199, effective July 1, 2026. This updated amount will apply broadly across the program, including eligibility thresholds, benefit calculations, and the maximum weekly benefit amount.

Under Maine’s PFML rules, the applicable SAWW is determined based on timing. Below are examples illustrating how the SAWW will be applied:

  • Application 6/30/2026; leave starts 6/29/2026 → Uses prior SAWW ($1,199)
  • Application 6/30/2026; leave starts 7/15/2026 → Uses prior SAWW ($1,199)
  • Application 7/4/2026; leave starts 7/15/2026 → Uses new SAWW ($1,250)
  • Application 7/4/2026; leave starts 6/30/2026 → Uses prior SAWW ($1,199)
  • Application 7/1/2026; leave starts 7/1/2026 → Uses prior SAWW ($1,199), as “immediately preceding” refers to the prior July 1, not the same day

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Reminder: Maine PFML Employee Notice Requirements

Please ensure that all current employees receive the required Maine Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML) Employee Written Notice. This notice explains the program’s benefits, job protection, health insurance rights, and how to file a claim. Employers must also provide the notice to all new hires within 30 days of their start date and should maintain records of how the notice was distributed.

If you need a copy of the notice or have any questions, please contact your sales representative for assistance.

-------------------------------

IRS Revenue Ruling 2025-4: No Impact to Private PFML Plans

You may have seen recent updates about IRS Revenue Ruling 2025-4 and its delayed implementation until 2027. We want to clarify that these new tax rules only apply to state-administered Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) programs. The IRS created this guidance to create consistency in how different states handle federal income and employment taxes for their state-run programs.

As your private insurance carrier, we want to assure you that these changes do not affect how we will manage tax treatment for your paid medical or family leave contributions and benefits. Our current tax handling procedures remain unchanged.

Maryland*

Starting January 2028, Maryland will launch the FAMLI program, offering eligible workers up to 12 weeks of paid leave each year, with benefits of up to $1,000 per week. In some situations—such as having a serious health condition and welcoming a new child in the same year—individuals may qualify for up to 24 total weeks of leave.

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Key Program Timeline

  • January 2026: FAMLI contact center opens
  • March 2026: Soft launch of employer registration
  • April 2026: Carriers begin reviewing guidance from the Maryland Insurance Administration
  • Spring 2026:
    • Final program regulations expected
    • Updated program contribution rate released
  • Fall 2026: Employers submit Declaration of Intent (DOI) if choosing a private plan
  • Early 2027: State begins accepting private plan applications
  • January–December 2027: Pre‑funding period for employers and employees
  • January 2028: FAMLI benefits become available

Massachusetts*

Update: Changes to PFML Exemption Request Process (New and Renewal) - Effective July 1, 2026

We want to make you aware of an upcoming change to the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) exemption request process that may impact how you submit new or renewal requests.

 

What’s changing?
Beginning July 1, 2026, all new exemption requests and renewals must be submitted through the PFML Employer Portal. Requests submitted on or before June 30, 2026 will continue to be processed through MassTaxConnect, but that platform will no longer be used for new submissions after this date.

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What to expect with the new process

The overall process is similar, but there are a few new steps and requirements to be aware of:

  • Portal access required: Employers will need to log in or create an account in the PFML Employer Portal to submit requests.

  • Organization verification : You may be asked to verify your organization using your MassTaxConnect PFML account ID when accessing the portal for the first time.

  • Centralized exemption management: A new “Exemptions” tab will display prior approved exemptions and allow you to initiate new or renewal requests.

  • Updated submission workflow: When starting a request, you will be prompted to provide:

    • Employer and contact information

    • Plan details (coverage type and effective dates)

    • Supporting documentation, including:

      • Confirmation of Insurance (for fully insured plans), or

      • Surety bond and declaration forms (for self-insured plans)

  • Submission tracking: After submission, you will receive email updates on the status of your request.

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Additional reminders

  • Only employers can submit exemption requests (we will continue to provide required documentation). 

  • For renewals tied to a July 1, 2026 effective date, timing will determine which system you use:

    • Submit by June 30, 2026 → MassTaxConnect

    • Submit on/after July 1, 2026 → PFML Employer Portal 

------------------------

IRS Revenue Ruling 2025-4: No Impact to Private PFML Plans

You may have seen recent updates about IRS Revenue Ruling 2025-4 and its delayed implementation until 2027. We want to clarify that these new tax rules only apply to state-administered Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) programs. The IRS created this guidance to create consistency in how different states handle federal income and employment taxes for their state-run programs.

As your private insurance carrier, we want to assure you that these changes do not affect how we will manage tax treatment for your paid medical or family leave contributions and benefits. Our current tax handling procedures remain unchanged.

Minnesota

IRS Revenue Ruling 2025-4: No Impact to Private PFML Plans

You may have seen recent updates about IRS Revenue Ruling 2025-4 and its delayed implementation until 2027. We want to clarify that these new tax rules only apply to state-administered Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) programs. The IRS created this guidance to create consistency in how different states handle federal income and employment taxes for their state-run programs.

As your private insurance carrier, we want to assure you that these changes do not affect how we will manage tax treatment for your paid medical or family leave contributions and benefits. Our current tax handling procedures remain unchanged.

Oregon*

Update: Oregon Releases New SAWW and Weekly Benefit Minimum/Maximum

Oregon has announced updated figures for the State Average Weekly Wage (SAWW) and Weekly Benefit Minimum/Maximum under its paid family and medical leave program, effective June 28, 2026.

 

Updated Amounts

  • State Average Weekly Wage (SAWW): $1,410.13
  • Weekly Benefit Minimum: $70.51

  • Weekly Benefit Maximum: $1,692.16

In Oregon, the new SAWW applies to new claims with a benefit year that begins on or after June 28, 2026.

----------------

IRS Revenue Ruling 2025-4: No Impact to Private PFML Plans

You may have seen recent updates about IRS Revenue Ruling 2025-4 and its delayed implementation until 2027. We want to clarify that these new tax rules only apply to state-administered Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) programs. The IRS created this guidance to create consistency in how different states handle federal income and employment taxes for their state-run programs.

As your private insurance carrier, we want to assure you that these changes do not affect how we will manage tax treatment for your paid medical or family leave contributions and benefits. Our current tax handling procedures remain unchanged.

 

 

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