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Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)

Washington State's Paid Family and Medical Leave program provides paid time off for workers who need to care for a family member with a serious health condition, bond with a new child, or address certain military-connected events. Jointly funded by employer and employee payroll contributions.

Up to 12 weeks of family leave, 12 weeks of medical leave, or up to 16-18 weeks combined (with additional 2 weeks for pregnancy complications). Uses a progressive wage replacement formula: up to 90% of wages for lower earners, decreasing for higher earners, with a maximum weekly benefit of $1,647 in 2026. Includes job protection for covered employees when the employer has 25+ employees and the worker has been employed at least 180 days under 2026 rules. Both employers and employees contribute to funding through payroll premiums.

Eligibility

  • Care recipient must have a qualifying disability
  • Must have worked 820+ hours
  • Relationship: spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, other relative, non relative

Questions to ask the program

These are questions to ask the program, not a verdict on your eligibility. Confirm the current rules directly with the program.

  • Does the person receiving care live in Washington? — Residency is usually the first thing a program checks.
  • Does your relationship to the person — spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, other relative, or non relative — count for this program?
  • What counts as a qualifying disability or level of care need, and what documentation shows it?
  • Do the work hours meet the minimum (our record lists 820 hours)?
  • Is there a caregiver-specific department, coordinator, or support line? Ask for it by name. — Many agencies have one that isn’t advertised on the website.
  • What documents do you need from us to start an application?
  • Is there a waitlist right now, and how long is it?

Services

Up to 12 weeks of family leave, 12 weeks of medical leave, or up to 16-18 weeks combined (with additional 2 weeks for pregnancy complications). Uses a progressive wage replacement formula: up to 90% of wages for lower earners, decreasing for higher earners, with a maximum weekly benefit of $1,647 in 2026. Includes job protection for covered employees when the employer has 25+ employees and the worker has been employed at least 180 days under 2026 rules. Both employers and employees contribute to funding through payroll premiums.

How to apply

  • Submit your application within 30 days after your qualifying event happens. Access your online account, provide basic information and verify your employment history, then upload your supporting documents

Use the official program page for application details: official program page.

  • fmla (companion): WA PFML can run concurrently with FMLA leave