Delaware

Navigating paid family leave in Delaware
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PFL in Delaware

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You will be directed to the appropriate section.
Birthing parents

Start here if you're giving birth.

If you're giving birth, you may need to file for the one or all of these programs.

Short-term disability insurance (STD): if you have an employer policy (ask HR or refer to your employee handbook)
Delaware Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML): both birthing and non-birthing partners can file for PFL benefits.
PFML is a wage replacement programs and does not guarantee leave. For questions about leave eligibility, contact your employer.

Delaware Paid Family + Medical Leave (PFML)

Click Here to Apply
Tips for Applying
Apply for Paid Leave beginning 1/1/2026. Collect the information and documents you will need to file your leave. 

Register at my.delaware.gov and follow instructions to go through the identity proofing process.

Once your identity has been verified, navigate to the LaborFirst Claimant Portal and complete claimant registration.Following registration, you’ll be able to file a Paid Leave claim.

The portal will walk you through the process, including providing employment information, dates and type of leave being requested, and any requisite healthcare information.

You’ll then wait while your leave request is reviewed. You can access the portal any time at my.delaware.gov.
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Who is eligible for benefits?
Employees who have been employed for at least one year and at least 1,250 hours with a single employer. As well as work primarily (at least 60%) in Delaware state.
‍
Who should apply?
  • Care for a new child (up to 12 weeks per year)
  • Care for a family member with a serious health condition (up to 6 weeks, every 24 months)
  • Address a personal serious health condition or injury (up to 6 weeks, every 24 months)
  • Assist while loved ones are on overseas military deployment (up to 6 weeks, every 24 months)
    ‍
How much time is available?
Employees are limited to a maximum of 12 weeks of combined leave per year.
‍
How much of my pay will Paid Leave cover?
Approximately 80% of your average weekly wage, up to a weekly maximum $900.To learn more about calculating your weekly benefit amounts, click here.
‍
When will benefits begin?
Benefits will begin at the start of your leave. There is no waiting period.
‍
What to Expect
To apply, file a Paid Leave claim online through the state website. You may file for Paid Leave up to 30 days before the start of your claim. 

When you file your claim, you will be asked to provide details of your leave, personal information, and submit documentation. Click here to learn more about applying for Delaware’s Paid Leave.

You will file a claim to care for a new child. If you are a birthing parent, your healthcare provider will be required to complete the Certification of your Serious Health Condition. If your employer has a private STD policy, you must also file a claim for these benefits. For instructions on filing for STD benefits, contact your employer.

Stay up to date on Delaware’s Paid Leave information at the state website.
‍
Example Payroll for Birthing Parent
Birthing parent eligible for STD, PFL and paid parental leave.

Numbers, figures, and projections are estimates only and may not be applicable to you.‍ Consult with your employer or your state's labor office for more information.
Non-birthing parents

Start here if you're the dad, spouse, adoptive, or foster parent.

If you are not the birthing parent, you only have to apply for Delaware Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML).

PFML is a wage replacement programs and does not guarantee leave. For questions about leave eligibility, contact your employer.

Delaware Paid Family + Medical Leave (PFML)

Click Here to Apply
Tips for Applying
Apply for Paid Leave beginning 1/1/2026. Collect the information and documents you will need to file your leave. 

Register at my.delaware.gov and follow instructions to go through the identity proofing process.

Once your identity has been verified, navigate to the LaborFirst Claimant Portal and complete claimant registration.Following registration, you’ll be able to file a Paid Leave claim.

The portal will walk you through the process, including providing employment information, dates and type of leave being requested, and any requisite healthcare information.

You’ll then wait while your leave request is reviewed. You can access the portal any time at my.delaware.gov.
‍
Who is eligible for benefits?
Employees who have been employed for at least one year and at least 1,250 hours with a single employer. As well as work primarily (at least 60%) in Delaware state.
‍
Who should apply?
  • Care for a new child (up to 12 weeks per year)
  • Care for a family member with a serious health condition (up to 6 weeks, every 24 months)
  • Address a personal serious health condition or injury (up to 6 weeks, every 24 months)
  • Assist while loved ones are on overseas military deployment (up to 6 weeks, every 24 months)
    ‍
How much time is available?
Employees are limited to a maximum of 12 weeks of combined leave per year.
‍
How much of my pay will Paid Leave cover?
Approximately 80% of your average weekly wage, up to a weekly maximum $900.To learn more about calculating your weekly benefit amounts, click here.
‍
When will benefits begin?
Benefits will begin at the start of your leave. There is no waiting period.
‍
What to Expect
To apply, file a Paid Leave claim online through the state website. You may file for Paid Leave up to 30 days before the start of your claim. 

When you file your claim, you will be asked to provide details of your leave, personal information, and submit documentation. Click here to learn more about applying for Delaware’s Paid Leave.

You will file a claim to care for a new child. If you are a birthing parent, your healthcare provider will be required to complete the Certification of your Serious Health Condition. If your employer has a private STD policy, you must also file a claim for these benefits. For instructions on filing for STD benefits, contact your employer.

Stay up to date on Delaware’s Paid Leave information at the state website.
‍
Example Payroll for Non-Birthing Parent
Non-Birthing parent eligible for PFL and paid parental leave.

‍Numbers, figures, and projections are estimates only and may not be applicable to you.‍ Consult with your employer or your state's labor office for more information.