Maine

Navigating paid family leave in Maine
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PFL in Maine

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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)
Maine 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.

Maine Paid Family + Medical Leave (PFML)

Click Here to Apply
Tips for Applying
If your leave began on or after 5/1/2026, you can submit a claim for Paid Family and Medical Leave.

To get started, file a claim with Aflac, either online or by phone, after which they will provide the necessary forms based on your reason for leave. Claims may be filed up to 60 days prior to the start of your leave but no later than 90 days after the start of your leave.  If your PFML claim is approved, you’ll be eligible to receive partial wage replacement during your time away.  These benefits are processed and issued by Aflac.
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Keep in mind, even if you submit a PFML claim to Aflac, you are still responsible for notifying your employer that you are requesting leave.  For more information, review Worker Resources on the state website.
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Your company may choose not to pay you paid parental leave while you’re waiting for approval from the state for Paid Family and Medical Leave. While you may be eligible for parental leave pay, you may see a delay.  If you have concerns, reach out to your company.
Who should apply?
Birthing or non-birthing parents to bond with a new baby or child in your family on or after 5/1/26.
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How much time is available?
Maine PFML provides up to 12 weeks of leave in a Benefit Year.  The Benefit Year is the 12 month period that starts the same week your leave starts.Employees are limited to a maximum of 12 weeks of combined leave per year.
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How much of my pay will Paid Leave cover?
You may be eligible to receive between 66% - 90% of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $1,199 per week (as of 2026). To learn more about calculating your weekly benefit amounts, click here.
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When will benefits begin?
If your leave is for pregnancy disability, there is a 7 day unpaid waiting period before benefits are payable. If your leave is for bonding leave only, no waiting period applies.
Does the benefit offer job protection?
If you’ve worked for your employer for at least 120 consecutive days,  job protection may be available. If you have questions on eligibility, contact your HR to discuss.
What to Expect
After you submit your application to Aflac, they will send you the required forms. You may be asked to provide additional documentation to support your leave. Once a determination is made, you will be notified if your claim is approved, denied, or if they require more information.
‍
If your claim is approved, you will receive details on your weekly benefit amount and payment schedule. Benefits are paid as partial wage replacement and may be issued on a weekly or biweekly basis. During your leave, your employer may be notified of your claim status (such as approval or denial), and you may need to provide updates if your leave dates or circumstances change. When your leave ends, you will return to your role or an equivalent position if you meet job protection requirements.
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Stay up to date on Maine’s Paid Family & Medical Leave information at the state website.
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 Maine 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.

Maine Paid Family + Medical Leave (PFML)

Click Here to Apply
Tips for Applying
If your leave began on or after 5/1/2026, you can submit a claim for Paid Family and Medical Leave.

To get started, file a claim with Aflac, either online or by phone, after which they will provide the necessary forms based on your reason for leave. Claims may be filed up to 60 days prior to the start of your leave but no later than 90 days after the start of your leave.  If your PFML claim is approved, you’ll be eligible to receive partial wage replacement during your time away.  These benefits are processed and issued by Aflac.
‍
Keep in mind, even if you submit a PFML claim to Aflac, you are still responsible for notifying your employer that you are requesting leave.  For more information, review Worker Resources on the state website.
‍
Your company may choose not to pay you paid parental leave while you’re waiting for approval from the state for Paid Family and Medical Leave. While you may be eligible for parental leave pay, you may see a delay.  If you have concerns, reach out to your company.
Who should apply?
Birthing or non-birthing parents to bond with a new baby or child in your family on or after 5/1/26.
‍
How much time is available?
Maine PFML provides up to 12 weeks of leave in a Benefit Year.  The Benefit Year is the 12 month period that starts the same week your leave starts.Employees are limited to a maximum of 12 weeks of combined leave per year.
‍
How much of my pay will Paid Leave cover?
You may be eligible to receive between 66% - 90% of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $1,199 per week (as of 2026). To learn more about calculating your weekly benefit amounts, click here.
‍
When will benefits begin?
If your leave is for pregnancy disability, there is a 7 day unpaid waiting period before benefits are payable. If your leave is for bonding leave only, no waiting period applies.
Does the benefit offer job protection?
If you’ve worked for your employer for at least 120 consecutive days,  job protection may be available. If you have questions on eligibility, contact your HR to discuss.
What to Expect
After you submit your application to Aflac, they will send you the required forms. You may be asked to provide additional documentation to support your leave. Once a determination is made, you will be notified if your claim is approved, denied, or if they require more information.
‍
If your claim is approved, you will receive details on your weekly benefit amount and payment schedule. Benefits are paid as partial wage replacement and may be issued on a weekly or biweekly basis. During your leave, your employer may be notified of your claim status (such as approval or denial), and you may need to provide updates if your leave dates or circumstances change. When your leave ends, you will return to your role or an equivalent position if you meet job protection requirements.
‍
Stay up to date on Maine’s Paid Family & Medical Leave information at the state website.