North Carolina Paid Family Leave Laws

As of January 3, 2025, North Carolina does not have a statewide Paid Family Leave (PFL) program applicable to all employees. However, specific provisions exist for state employees regarding paid parental leave.

What is Paid Family Leave?

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

Does North Carolina Have Paid Family Leave Laws That Differ from Federal Family Leave Laws?

North Carolina does not have a statewide PFL program that differs from federal laws. The federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons. However, North Carolina has implemented a Paid Parental Leave Policy for state employees, offering paid leave for qualifying parental events.

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

For state employees eligible under North Carolina’s Paid Parental Leave Policy, qualifying events include:

• Birth of a Child: Leave granted to recover from childbirth and to bond with and care for the newborn.
• Adoption or Foster Placement: Leave provided for the adoption, foster care placement, or other legal placement of a child under the age of 18.

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

Eligibility criteria for state employees under the Paid Parental Leave Policy include:

• Employment Status: Permanent, probationary, or time-limited full-time and part-time state employees.
• Minimum Service Period: Employees must meet a specified minimum service period, which may include aggregating employment across state agencies, departments, institutions, and public school units that provide paid parental leave.

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

For eligible state employees, the Paid Parental Leave Policy provides:

• Birth Mothers: Up to eight weeks of paid parental leave following childbirth.
• Other Parents: Up to four weeks of paid parental leave for other qualifying parental events, such as adoption or foster placement.

Part-time employees receive a prorated amount of leave based on their work schedule.

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

For eligible state employees who give birth, the policy provides up to eight weeks of paid parental leave to recover from childbirth and to bond with and care for the newborn.

Is Paternity Leave Required by Law in North Carolina?

While there is no statewide mandate for paternity leave in the private sector, eligible state employees who become parents through birth, adoption, or foster placement are entitled to up to four weeks of paid parental leave to bond with and care for the child.

Who Pays for Paid Family Leave in North Carolina?

The Paid Parental Leave for state employees is funded by the state government. Private employers in North Carolina are not required by state law to provide paid family leave, and any such benefits would be at the employer’s discretion.

Conclusion

While North Carolina does not have a comprehensive Paid Family Leave program for all employees, the state has implemented a Paid Parental Leave Policy for eligible state employees, providing paid leave for qualifying parental events. Private-sector employees in North Carolina must rely on federal provisions under the FMLA for unpaid, job-protected leave. Employers and employees should familiarize themselves with both federal and state policies to understand their rights and responsibilities regarding family and medical leave.