Massachusetts will launch its paid family and medical leave program on Jan. 1, 2021, a new program that will allow millions of Massachusetts workers the ability to take 12 to 26 weeks of job-protected paid time off from work to care for themselves, a child, or a family member.
The program allows workers to take up to 12 weeks off to care for a new child, up to 12 weeks to meet family needs related to a family member’s active duty military service, up to 20 weeks to recover from a serious illness or injury, and up to 26 weeks to care for a seriously ill or injured service member.
Beginning July 1, 2021, workers will be able to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave from work to care for a seriously ill or injured family member.
The program is funded by a .75 percent payroll contribution which began in October 2019. This is split 50-50 between employer and employee contributions. Workers taking paid leave will receive wage replacement benefits from the new Family and Medical Leave Trust Fund. Workers can estimate their benefits through the state’s website here. Benefits can be applied for after Jan. 1 through the state’s website.