Washington

Navigating paid family leave in Washington
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PFL in Washington

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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)
Washington 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.

Washington Paid Family + Medical Leave (PFML)

Click Here to Apply
Tips for Applying
Prepare to file.  Gather all the required documentation and information needed to submit you claim.  You can download the application checklist here.  

Prepare to wait.  It can take up to 3 weeks for your claim to be reviewed. If you file online, you can check the status of your claim by logging into your Paid Leave account.  

You can estimate your weekly benefit amount here.

‍Important: after your PFML claim is approved, you must still submit weekly claims to be eligible for benefits.  To learn more, visit  File your weekly claim. 

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 the approval from the state for PFML. 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 in a year (up to 18 weeks for a birthing parent).
How much of my pay does PFML cover?
Up to 90% of your average weekly pay, up to the weekly maximum for the calendar year (e.g., $1,427 per week as of 2023).
When will benefits begin?
If leave begins prior to the birth of a child, benefits begin after a 7 day waiting period (“Waiting Week”).  If leave is taken after the date of birth, there is no Waiting Week.  
When am I eligible for PFML?
While your doctor certifies you are unable to perform your normal and usual job duties. You may be eligible to receive benefits prior to the birth of a child, and they continue until you are fully recovered from pregnancy disability (approximately  6 weeks or 8 weeks postpartum). If you have questions, speak to your healthcare provider.
What to Expect
You may file your PFML claim online, by fax, or by mail.  To file by fax or mail, call (833) 717-2273 to request a paper application.  If you file online, you must first create a SecureAccess Washington Account.  Visit the Help Center for further instructions. Once your account is created, you can submit your PFML claim. 

If you are the birthing parent, you may be eligible for benefits during the postnatal period (i.e., 6 weeks following birth). Your healthcare provider will need to complete the Certification of Serious Health Condition form. 

If your employer has a private STD policy, you will also need to file for those benefits.  STD benefits are reduced by what you receive from PFML.  That means you may or may not receive benefits from STD, depending on how much you receive from PFML.   For more information, refer to your employer’s STD policy.  

If you are taking leave to bond with a new child and/or you recovered from pregnancy disability, you can file for Family leave. If you are the non-birthing parent, you will be asked to provide documentation to support your claim: Certification of Birth.  If you are the birthing parent, you will need to submit additional documentation.  
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 will 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 Washington 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.

Washington Paid Family + Medical Leave (PFML)

Click Here to Apply
Tips for Applying
Prepare to file.  Gather all the required documentation and information needed to submit you claim.  You can download the application checklist here.  

Prepare to wait.  It can take up to 3 weeks for your claim to be reviewed. If you file online, you can check the status of your claim by logging into your Paid Leave account.  

You can estimate your weekly benefit amount here.

‍Important: after your PFML claim is approved, you must still submit weekly claims to be eligible for benefits.  To learn more, visit  File your weekly claim. 

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 the approval from the state for PFML. 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 in a year (up to 18 weeks for a birthing parent).
How much of my pay does PFML cover?
Up to 90% of your average weekly pay, up to the weekly maximum for the calendar year (e.g., $1,427 per week as of 2023).
When will benefits begin?
If leave begins prior to the birth of a child, benefits begin after a 7 day waiting period (“Waiting Week”).  If leave is taken after the date of birth, there is no Waiting Week.  
When am I eligible for PFML?
While your doctor certifies you are unable to perform your normal and usual job duties. You may be eligible to receive benefits prior to the birth of a child, and they continue until you are fully recovered from pregnancy disability (approximately  6 weeks or 8 weeks postpartum). If you have questions, speak to your healthcare provider.
What to Expect
You may file your PFML claim online, by fax, or by mail.  To file by fax or mail, call (833) 717-2273 to request a paper application.  If you file online, you must first create a SecureAccess Washington Account.  Visit the Help Center for further instructions. Once your account is created, you can submit your PFML claim.  

If your employer has a private STD policy, you will also need to file for those benefits.  STD benefits are reduced by what you receive from PFML.  That means you may or may not receive benefits from STD, depending on how much you receive from PFML.   For more information, refer to your employer’s STD policy.  

If you are the non-birthing parent, you will be asked to provide documentation to support your claim: Certification of Birth. 
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 will 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.