District of Columbia
The Washington D.C. Universal Paid Leave program began paying benefits July 1, 2020. Employers must participate in the district’s public program. There is not a private plan option.
Eligibility:
Employers
Any employer that pays into the D.C. unemployment insurance tax must participate in the D.C. PFL
Employees
Employees must spend more that 50% of their work time in D.C. to be eligible.
Benefits overview
Medical leave
- Employee’s own serious health condition
- Prenatal leave
Family leave
- Bond with a new child after birth, adoption, or foster care placement
- Care for a family member with a serious health condition
12 weeks for any combination of medical or family leave
2 weeks for prenatal leave
90% wage replacement for any wages up to 150% of the D.C minimum wage multiplied by 40
90% wage replacement for any wages up to 150% of the D.C minimum wage multiplied by 40 + 50% for wages above 150% of the minimum wage multiplied by 40
The maximum benefit is $1,118
There is no longer a waiting period for D.C. PFL claims
Leave can be taken continuously or intermittently. Intermittent leave must be taken in increments of 1 day.
Leave under Washington D.C. PFL is not job protected leave
Additional information:
Private Plans
Private plan administration is not permitted for D.C. PFL.
Covered Family Members
Under D.C. PFL, employees may take family leave to care for a family member with a serious health condition. Covered relationships include:
- Spouse or domestic partner
- Child
- Parent
- Sibling
- Grandparent
To learn more about Washington D.C.’s paid leave program, visit the D.C. Paid Family Leave website.