Maine’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) Program, established in 2023, is set to provide eligible workers with up to 12 weeks of paid leave starting in 2026, for various reasons listed below. Contributions to the PFML fund began in January 2025, with both employers and employees contributing based on size of the employer.  

Overview: 

• Maine PFML Program was established to provide up to 12 weeks of paid leave for the following reasons: 

• Family leave: To care for new child (adoption, fostering or birth), to care for family with serious health condition 

• Medical leave: Care for one’s own serious health condition  

• Safe leave: For victims of domestic violence  

• Military deployment: Emergencies related to military duty (qualifying exigency).  

• The program applies to both private and public sector workers. 

Key Dates: 

• Contributions to the PFML fund began on January 1, 2025. 

• Benefits will be available starting in 2026. 

Contributions: 

• Employers with 15 or more employees will contribute 1% of wages, with up to half of this amount deductible from employees’ wages and employers can charge employees up to 50% of the premium. 

• Employers with fewer than 15 employees will contribute 0.5% of wages, with the entire amount deductible from employees’ wages. 

• Self-employed individuals and tribal governments can elect to participate in the program. 

Benefits: 

• Eligible workers can receive up to 12 weeks of paid leave 

• The program covers various types of leave for employees:  

• Continuous Leave: Ongoing leave for days or weeks at time  

• Intermittent Leave: Still working but needs to take time off in increments  

• Reduced Leave: Still working but on a reduced schedule working specific days of the week while on leave for the remainder of the week.  

• Continued health benefits and job protection rights available after 120 days of employment  

Administration: 

• The Maine Department of Labor will oversee the program, including the collection of contributions and the distribution of benefits. 

• Employers can satisfy ME PFML requirements by offering a private Plan (insured or self-funded). Piper Jordan can coordinate getting a quote from your disability carrier for your consideration. Applications to apply for a private plan may be submitted to the state after April 1, 2025.  

• ACTION REQUIRED: Employers are required to register for an account to begin wage reporting and premium payments starting April 1, 2025. Program Contributions details (here). 

This program aims to support workers in balancing their professional and personal responsibilities by providing financial assistance during critical times. 

Additional State Resources: Maine PFML (DOL) ,  Maine PFML FAQ and Maine PFML Video (ER)