Maryland Paid Family Leave Laws

Maryland has enacted the Time to Care Act, establishing a Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) insurance program to support employees during significant life events requiring time away from work.

What is Paid Family Leave?

Paid Family Leave (PFL) allows employees to take compensated time off from work to address significant family or medical needs, such as bonding with a new child or caring for a seriously ill family member. PFL aims to support employees in balancing work responsibilities with essential family obligations without financial hardship.

Does Maryland Have Paid Family Leave Laws That Differ from Federal Family Leave Laws?

Yes, Maryland’s Time to Care Act provides up to 12 weeks of paid leave for eligible employees, whereas the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) offers up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave. Maryland’s program is funded through payroll contributions, with benefits scheduled to begin on July 1, 2026.

What Counts as a Qualifying Event for Paid Family Leave in Maryland?

Qualifying events under Maryland’s PFML include:

• Bonding with a new child through birth, adoption, or foster care placement.
• Caring for a family member with a serious health condition.
• Attending to a qualifying exigency related to a family member’s military service.
• Addressing one’s own serious health condition.
• Taking safe leave.

Are There Requirements to be Eligible for Paid Family Leave in Maryland?

To be eligible, employees must have worked at least 680 hours in Maryland over the prior 12 months.

Is There a Minimum Amount of Paid Family Leave Time Required in Maryland?

The program provides up to 12 weeks of paid leave within a 12-month period for qualifying events, with the possibility of an additional 12 weeks for parental bonding purposes.

Is There a Minimum Amount of Maternity Leave Time Required in Maryland?

Maryland’s PFML allows up to 12 weeks of paid leave for maternity-related events, including the birth and care of a newborn child.

Is Paternity Leave Required by Law in Maryland?

Yes, the PFML program includes paternity leave, granting eligible employees up to 12 weeks of paid leave for bonding with a new child.

Who Pays for Paid Family Leave in Maryland?

The program is funded through contributions from employers and employees, starting July 1, 2025. The rate of contribution is capped at 1.2% of an employee’s wages, up to the Social Security wage base, with contributions split 50-50 between employers and employees. Employers with fewer than 15 employees are exempt from the employer portion of the contribution.

Conclusion

Maryland’s PFML program enhances support for employees during critical family and medical events by providing paid leave, thereby strengthening the balance between work and personal life. Employees and employers should familiarize themselves with the program’s requirements and timelines to ensure compliance and to fully benefit from the available provisions.