States with Paid Family Leave in 2026
As of 2026, 13 states plus Washington D.C. have enacted paid family and medical leave (PFML) programs. These programs provide partial wage replacement when workers need time off for a new child, serious illness, or caring for a family member.
Complete State-by-State Comparison
All 14 jurisdictions with paid family leave programs
| State | Program Start | Max Weeks | Wage Replacement | Max Weekly Benefit (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 2004 | 8 weeks | 60-70% | $1,620 |
| Colorado | 2024 | 12 weeks | 90% (up to 50% AWW) | $1,100 |
| Connecticut | 2022 | 12 weeks | 95% (up to 40x min wage) | $981 |
| Delaware | 2026 | 12 weeks | 80% | $900 |
| Maine | 2026 | 12 weeks | 90% | $1,151 |
| Maryland | 2026 | 12 weeks | 90% (up to 65% AWW) | $1,000 |
| Massachusetts | 2021 | 20 weeks combined | 80% (up to 50% AWW) | $1,149 |
| Minnesota You are here | 2026 | 20 weeks combined | 90% (up to 50% AWW) | $1,473 |
| New Jersey | 2009 | 12 weeks | 85% | $1,055 |
| New York | 2018 | 12 weeks | 67% | $1,177 |
| Oregon | 2023 | 12 weeks | 100% (up to 65% AWW) | $1,523 |
| Rhode Island | 2014 | 6 weeks | 60% | $1,070 |
| Washington | 2020 | 12 weeks | 90% (up to 50% AWW) | $1,456 |
| Washington D.C. | 2020 | 12 weeks | 90% | $1,118 |
How Minnesota Compares
Minnesota's PFML program is one of the most generous in the nation:
States Without Paid Family Leave
37 states still rely only on federal FMLA (unpaid leave)
What's available in these states:
- •FMLA: 12 weeks unpaid leave (employers with 50+ employees only)
- •Employer policies: Varies widely—check your handbook
- •Short-term disability: If purchased privately or offered by employer
- •PTO/Sick leave: If accrued with your employer
Frequently Asked Questions
How many states have paid family leave in 2026?
13 states plus Washington D.C. have paid family leave programs as of 2026: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Washington D.C.
Which state has the best paid family leave?
Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Oregon offer the most generous programs with up to 20 weeks combined leave and high wage replacement rates. Minnesota's maximum weekly benefit of $1,473 is among the highest in the nation.
Does federal law require paid family leave?
No. The federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) only provides unpaid, job-protected leave for up to 12 weeks. There is no federal requirement for paid family leave—it is determined by state law or employer policy.
Is paid family leave the same as FMLA?
No. FMLA is a federal law providing unpaid leave with job protection. Paid family leave (PFML) is a state program providing wage replacement during leave. You may be eligible for both simultaneously.
Can I get paid family leave if my state doesn't have it?
If your state doesn't have a PFML program, you may still have options: employer-provided paid leave, short-term disability insurance, or using accrued PTO. Check your employee handbook or HR department.