Paid Maternity Leave by State: 2026 Guide
Paid maternity leave varies dramatically by state in 2026. Only 13 states plus Washington D.C. mandate paid maternity leave through state programs, while workers in the remaining 37 states must rely on employer policies, short-term disability, or unpaid FMLA leave.
States with Paid Maternity Leave
All 14 jurisdictions with paid leave for new mothers
| State | Pregnancy/Recovery | Bonding Leave | Total Paid Weeks | Max Weekly Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 4 weeks (SDI) | 8 weeks (PFL) | 12 weeks | $1,620 |
| Colorado | 12 weeks combined | — | 12 weeks | $1,100 |
| Connecticut | 12 weeks combined | — | 12 weeks | $981 |
| Delaware | 12 weeks combined | — | 12 weeks | $900 |
| Maine | 12 weeks combined | — | 12 weeks | $1,151 |
| Maryland | 12 weeks combined | — | 12 weeks | $1,000 |
| Massachusetts | 20 weeks medical | 12 weeks bonding | 20 weeks combined | $1,149 |
| Minnesota You are here | 12 weeks medical | 12 weeks bonding | 20 weeks combined | $1,473 |
| New Jersey | 4 weeks (TDI) | 12 weeks (FLI) | 16 weeks | $1,055 |
| New York | 26 weeks (DBL) | 12 weeks (PFL) | 38 weeks* | $1,177 |
| Oregon | 12 weeks combined | +2 weeks pregnancy | 14 weeks | $1,523 |
| Rhode Island | 30 weeks (TCI) | 6 weeks (TCI) | 36 weeks* | $1,070 |
| Washington | 12 weeks combined | +2 weeks pregnancy | 14 weeks | $1,456 |
| Washington D.C. | 12 weeks combined | — | 12 weeks | $1,118 |
*Some states have separate disability and family leave programs that can be combined.
How Maternity Leave Works in Minnesota
Minnesota's PFML program covers multiple stages of maternity leave:
1Pregnancy Medical Leave (up to 12 weeks)
- • For prenatal appointments, pregnancy complications, bed rest
- • Requires healthcare provider certification
- • 90% wage replacement up to $1,473/week
2Childbirth Recovery (part of medical leave)
- • Typically 6-8 weeks for vaginal delivery
- • Typically 8-10 weeks for C-section
- • Covered under medical leave benefits
3Bonding Leave (up to 12 weeks)
- • Time to bond with newborn
- • Must be taken within 12 months of birth
- • Can be taken intermittently with employer approval
Best States for Maternity Leave (Ranked)
States Without Paid Maternity Leave
37 states have no state-mandated paid maternity leave
What's available in these states:
- •FMLA: 12 weeks unpaid leave (employers with 50+ employees only)
- •Employer policies: Varies widely—check your employee handbook
- •Short-term disability: If purchased privately or offered by employer
- •PTO/Sick leave: If accrued with your employer
What If Your State Has No Paid Leave?
Options for workers in states without paid maternity leave:
Frequently Asked Questions
How many weeks of paid maternity leave do most states offer?
States with paid leave programs typically offer 12 weeks. Minnesota and Massachusetts offer up to 20 weeks combined medical and bonding leave, making them the most generous states for new mothers.
Which state has the longest paid maternity leave?
Minnesota and Massachusetts offer up to 20 weeks of combined paid family and medical leave, making them the most generous states for new mothers. Some states like New York and Rhode Island offer longer periods when combining disability and family leave programs.
Is maternity leave paid in the US?
There is no federal paid maternity leave in the US. Only 13 states plus Washington D.C. mandate paid maternity leave through state programs. Workers in other states must rely on employer policies or unpaid FMLA leave.
How much does paid maternity leave pay in Minnesota?
Minnesota PFML pays 90% of wages up to 50% of the state average weekly wage, then 66% above that threshold, with a maximum of $1,473 per week in 2026.
Can I get paid maternity leave if my state doesn't have it?
You may qualify for employer-provided paid leave, short-term disability benefits, or use accrued PTO. Check your employee handbook or HR department. The federal FMLA provides 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for eligible employees.