Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave Applications Open March 30

The Maine Department of Labor announced that beginning Monday, March 30, Mainers will be able to apply for benefits through the state’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program.

Leave must occur on or after May 1, 2026, in order to be approved.

From Laura Fortman, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Labor:

This program represents a major step forward for Maine’s workers, families, and businesses. Paid Family and Medical Leave gives people time to care for themselves and their loved ones with some financial support, reducing stress and making leave more possible. When families are supported, workplaces and communities across Maine are stronger.

The Paid Family and Medical Leave program provides up to 12 weeks of benefits for key life events. Benefits are flexible and portable. Eligible leave can be for:

Medical Leave: For times when a serious health condition keeps an individual from working.
Parental Leave: Time to bond with a new child.
Family Care Leave: Time to care for a loved one with a serious health condition.
Military Family Leave: Time to prepare for a family member’s deployment.
Safe Leave: Time to find safety when an individual or a family member is the victim of abuse, violence, or sexual assault.

The Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave website, has more information for workers who want to submit an application.
Paid Family and Medical Leave at a Glance

The Paid Family and Medical Leave law went into effect in October 2023 and has been implemented by the Maine Department of Labor.

Since January 2025, both Maine workers and employers have helped to fund the program through a payroll contribution. For businesses with 15 or more employees, the contribution is 1% of wages, split evenly between the employee and employer (0.5% each. For smaller businesses with fewer than 15 employees, the total contribution is 0.5% and employers may withhold the full cost from their workers’ paychecks. Self-employed workers can elect coverage for themselves by submitting their request through the Maine Paid Leave Contributions Portal and submitting contributions. Beyond providing critical financial support for workers, the program also helps strengthen Maine’s workforce. Paid Family and Medical Leave programs help employers improve retention and reduce turnover in the long run.