Compliance
Big Shifts Ahead: Paid Family and Medical Leave in 2026
Understand what upcoming state paid leave program changes mean for employers.
October 9, 2025
In 2026, three more states are expected to join the growing movement for paid family and medical leave (PFML). Minnesota, Maine, and Delaware are set to implement statewide paid leave programs, which will provide wage replacement for workers who qualify, based on their eligibility period and the reason for their leave. This blog post highlights the pertinent details.
Delaware PFML: Effective January 1, 2026
Benefits will begin January 1, 2026. Contributions began on January 1, 2025. Covered leave types include the following:
- Parental leave: Up to 12 weeks per year
- Medical leave (self): Up to six weeks every 24 months
- Family caregiving leave: Up to six weeks every 24 months
- Military exigency leave: Up to six weeks every 24 months
Eligibility
To be considered eligible, a person must have been employed for at least 12 months and worked a minimum of 1,250 hours in the past year. The employee must work primarily (at least 60% of the time) in the state of Delaware.
Funding
The combined payroll contribution is 0.8%. The maximum weekly benefit is 80% of wages, capped at $900 per week.
Employer Requirements
Here is what is required of Delaware employers starting in 2026, based on the number of employees:
- 25 or more employees: All leave types
- 10–24 employees: Parental leave only
- Fewer than 10 employees: Exempt, but may opt in
Plan Options
Plan options include private and state plans.
Maine PFML: Effective May 1, 2026
Benefits begin on May 1, 2026. Contributions began on January 1, 2025. Employees may take up to 12 weeks for each of the covered leave types listed below:
- Parental leave
- Medical leave (self)
- Family caregiving leave
- Military deployment
- Domestic violence/sexual assault/stalking
Eligibility
To be considered eligible, a person must earn at least six times the state average weekly wage during the base year. This applies to all employees earning wages in Maine.
Funding
The total payroll tax is 1%, split between the employer and the employee. Employers with fewer than 15 employees are exempt from paying; employees still contribute. The wage cap is equivalent to the Social Security wage base (e.g., $ 176,800 in 2025).
Plan Options
Plan options include private and state plans.
Minnesota PFML: Effective January 1, 2026
Benefits begin on January 1, 2026. Contributions begin on January 1, 2026. Employees may take up to 12 weeks for each of the covered leave types listed below, not to exceed 20 total weeks per benefit year:
- Parental leave
- Medical leave (self)
- Family caregiving leave
- Safety leave (domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking)
- Military exigency leave
Eligibility
Most employers with one or more employees in Minnesota are eligible for the program. Self-employed and independent contractors may opt in.
Funding
Funding comprises 0.88% payroll tax, split between the employer and the employee. Employers must pay at least 50% of the premium. Employers with fewer than 30 employees may qualify for reduced rates.
Plan Options
Plan options include private and state plans.
Reach out to your Hylant representative for further information. Don’t have one? Contact us here.
The above information does not constitute advice. Always contact your employee benefits broker or trusted advisor for insurance-related questions.
