By June 30, 2019, employers must provide individualized notice to each employee (and potentially each contractor) in the state.

In 2018, Massachusetts enacted the Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) law, which provides a right to up to 26 weeks of combined family and medical leave in each benefit year, and pay during such leave, to eligible employees, former employees, and self-employed individuals in Massachusetts. All private employers in Massachusetts are covered. Pay during such leave is administered by the state and funded through employer and employee-funded contributions that employers must remit to the state on a quarterly basis. The earliest that such leave and pay benefits will be available is January 1, 2021.

Here are a few facts for compliance:

What Circumstances for PFML in Massachusetts Cover?

PFML is job-protected if an employee has any of the following circumstances:

• A serious health condition that necessitates time away from work.
• Bonding with a newborn, adopted, or foster care child during the first 12 months.
• Care for a seriously ill family member
• Important needs related to a family’s military service
• Care for a service member with a serious health condition incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.

The PFML rate begins July 1, 2019 and is 0.63% of each employee’s wages, up to the Social Security maximum, which is $132,900 for 2019. There will be an additional breakdown with different required contributions for the employee and employer depending on whether the plan is for family or medical leave.

Please contact the NARFA team with questions about the Massachusetts PFML Law. We will continue to stay on top of any and all news related to this legislation.