Maine

Maine enacted its Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program in 2023 and will begin paying benefits in May 2026. Employers can opt-out of the state program in favor of a private insurance plan that is equal or better than the state program.  

Eligibility:

Employers

Any employer or governmental entities that employs at least one employee in Maine.

Employees

Employees are eligible for PFML if they have worked at least six times the state average weekly wage during the base period. The base period is the four calendar quarters prior to taking leave.

Benefits overview

Qualifying Reasons

Medical leave

  • Employee’s own serious health condition
  • Organ donation

Family leave

  • Bond with a new child after birth, adoption, or foster care placement
  • Care for a family member with a serious health condition
  • Military exigency related to a family member’s active military duty or call to active duty
  • Care for a service member or bereavement

Safe leave

  • Needs related to domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault 

Duration of Leave

12 weeks of paid leave in a benefit year 

Benefit Calculation

90% wage replacement for any wages up to 50% of the state average weekly wage (SAWW)

50% of SAWW + 66% wage replacement for any wages over 50% of SAWW

The maximum benefit is undetermined

    Waiting Period

    There is a 7-day waiting period before medical leave benefits are payable

    There is no waiting period for family leave

    Leave Frequency

    Leave can be taken continuously or intermittently. Intermittent leave must be in increments of at least 8 hours, or on a reduced schedule agreed to by the employee and employer

    Job Protection

    Maine PFML is job protected leave for employees that have been employed for at least 120 days

    Additional information:  

    Private Plans 

    Employers may opt out of the state plan in favor of a private plan.

    A private plan must:

    • Provide equal to or better benefits than those under the state plan
    • Cover all employees employed by the employer
    • Guarantee employee contributions are not greater than what the employee would pay under the state plan
    • Include no additional requirements or conditions than the state plan

    Covered Family Members

    Under Maine PFML, employees may take family leave to care for a family member with a serious health condition. Covered relationships include:

    • Spouse or domestic partner
    • Child (biological, adoption, foster, or step-child)
    • Parent (biological, adoption, foster, step, or in-law)
    • Sibling
    • Grandparent
    • Grandchild
    • Individual with whom the employee has a significant bond that is like a family relationship

    To learn more about Maine’s paid leave program, visit the Paid Family and Medical Leave website.

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