Massachusetts

Navigating paid family leave in Massachusetts
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PFL in Massachusetts

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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)
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.

Massachusetts Paid Family + Medical Leave (PFML)

Click Here to Apply
Tips for Applying
Apply for PFML as soon as reasonable. Collect the information and documents you will need to file your leave. You can download a checklist here.  

You can estimate your benefits amount using the Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Calculator here.

Prepare to wait. The Department of Family and Medical Leave (DFML) will review your claim within 5 days and notify your employer.

Provide confirmation of your weekly benefit rate to your employer or leave and claims administrator. If your company works with Parento, also provide a copy to your Parento Leave Administrator.   

Your company may choose not to pay you paid parental leave while you’re waiting for PFML benefit confirmation. 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 and non-birthing parents should apply.
How much time is available?
If you are the birthing parent, you may be eligible for up to 20 weeks of paid leave. To learn more about MA PFML, check out the Employee Toolkit.
How much of my pay does PFML cover?
Between 50% and 80% of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $1,129.82 per week (as of /1/2023).  To learn more about calculating your PFML weekly benefit amounts, click here.
When will benefits begin?
The first week (7 days) is considered an Unpaid Waiting/Elimination Period.  During this time, PFL benefits are not payable for the first week of your paid parental leave. If your company uses Parento and you are an eligible employee, our company will provide parental leave pay for any unpaid waiting period to the limits of the paid parental leave policy.
What to Expect
To apply, file a PFML claim online through paidleave.mass.gov.  You may file for PFML up to 60 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 PFML.      

If you are the birthing parent, you must first file a claim for medical leave.  When submitting your claim, confirm your leave is related to pregnancy, which will trigger a family leave for bonding once you are no longer disabled.  Your healthcare provider must 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.   

Once you are recovered from your medical leave, you may be eligible for family leave to bond with a child. You will not be required to submit another application if you confirmed your PFML claim was due to pregnancy. To transition from medical leave to family leave, call (833) 344-7365. To learn more about this process, click here. 
Example Payroll for Birthing Parent
Birthing parent eligible for STD, PFML and 14 weeks of paid parental leave.

If you are the birthing parent, your company may cover the difference between STD and/or PFML pays up to the limits of the policy.  It is important that you file for these benefits as soon as possible to avoid delays in pay.  

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 Massachusetts 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.

Massachusetts Paid Family + Medical Leave (PFML)

Click Here to Apply
Tips for Applying
Apply for PFML as soon as reasonable.  Collect the information and documents you will need to file your leave.  You can download a checklist here.  

You can estimate your benefits amount using the Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Calculator here.

Prepare to wait.  The Department of Family and Medical Leave (DFML) will review your claim within 5 days and notify your employer.

Provide confirmation of your weekly benefit rate to your employer or leave and claims administrator.  If your company works with Parento, also provide a copy to your Parento Leave Administrator.   

Your company may choose not to pay you paid parental leave while you’re waiting for PFML benefit confirmation. 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 and non-birthing parents should apply.
How much time is available?
Up to 12 weeks for a non-birthing parent.
How much of my pay does PFML cover?
Between 50% and 80% of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $1,129.82 per week (as of 1/1/2023).   To learn more about calculating your PFML weekly benefit amounts, click here. 
When will benefits begin?
The first week (7 days) is considered an Unpaid Waiting/Elimination Period.  During this time, PFML benefits are not payable for the first week of your paid parental leave. If your company uses Parento and you are an eligible employee, our company will provide parental leave pay for any unpaid waiting period to the limits of the paid parental leave policy.
What to Expect
To apply, file a PFML claim online through paidleave.mass.gov. You may file for PFML either before or after the child’s birth or placement. 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 PFML.
Example Payroll for Non-Birthing Parent
Example: Non-birthing parent eligible for PFML and 14 weeks of paid parental leave.

If you are the non-birthing parent, your company may cover the difference between PFML pays up to the limits of the policy.  It is important that you file for these benefits as soon as possible to avoid delays in pay.  

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.

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