State of the States: PFML Q4 2024
Paid family and medical leave (PFML) overview
Over one-quarter of U.S. states have enacted statutory disability or PFML programs. Many of these programs are already in place while others will be rolled out over the next few years.
In general, state-mandated short-term disability programs provide partial pay replacement to workers who are ill, injured, or otherwise, become disabled. Though similar, the rules on eligibility, the amount of wagereplacement benefits, and how the statutory disability plans operate vary significantly between states.
Paid Family Leave (PFL) and its broader PFML counterpart continues to grow in popularity as more states propose, enact, and launch their own programs. PFL/PFML is intended to ease employees’ financial burden when they require time off work to care for an ill family member or bond with a new child. These state PFL/PFML programs vary significantly, often with different eligibility requirements, funding mechanisms, length of available leave, percentage of wage replacement, job protection, and more.
The current State of the States is complex and evolving. This publication is intended to keep you informed about these ever-changing leave and benefit requirements.