New Paid Family Leave States Launching in 2026

2026 marks a significant expansion of paid family leave in the United States. Minnesota and Delaware are launching their state-level paid family and medical leave programs, joining the states and Washington D.C. that already offer these benefits. Here's what workers need to know and the full updated list of PFL states.

Minnesota Paid Family Leave: Starting 2026

• Benefit duration: Up to 12 weeks of family leave and 12 weeks of medical leave (up to 20 weeks combined per year)
• Wage replacement: Up to 90% of wages for lower earners, stepping down for higher earners
• Eligibility: Workers who have earned at least $3,500 in the base period from covered employment
• Funding: Payroll premiums split between employers and employees
• Covered reasons: New child bonding, serious health condition, military family needs, and qualifying exigency

Calculate your potential benefits with our family leave calculator.

Delaware Paid Family Leave: Starting 2026

• Benefit duration: Up to 12 weeks of parental leave and 6 weeks for other qualifying events
• Wage replacement: 80% of average weekly wage, capped at a maximum benefit amount
• Eligibility: Workers who have been employed for at least 12 months with a covered employer
• Employer size: Initially applies to employers with 25+ employees for parental leave, 10+ for other qualifying events

Complete List of Paid Family Leave States (2026)

• California: Up to 8 weeks at 60-70% wage replacement. Since 2004.
• Colorado: Up to 12 weeks at up to 90% of wages. Launched 2024.
• Connecticut: Up to 12 weeks at up to 95% of wages (for lower earners). Since 2022.
• Delaware: Up to 12 weeks parental leave at 80% wages. New in 2026.
• Maine: Up to 12 weeks at 90% of wages. Launched 2025.
• Maryland: Up to 12 weeks at up to 90% of wages. Launching 2026.
• Massachusetts: Up to 12-26 weeks at up to 80% of wages. Since 2021.
• Minnesota: Up to 20 weeks combined at up to 90% wages. New in 2026.
• New Jersey: Up to 12 weeks at 85% of wages. Since 2009.
• New York: Up to 12 weeks at 67% of wages. Since 2018.
• Oregon: Up to 12 weeks at up to 100% of wages (for lowest earners). Since 2023.
• Rhode Island: Up to 6 weeks at approximately 60% of wages. Since 2014.
• Washington State: Up to 12-18 weeks at up to 90% of wages. Since 2020.
• Washington D.C.: Up to 12 weeks at up to 90% of wages. Since 2020.

How Paid Family Leave Works

• Funded by payroll premiums: Small deductions from employee paychecks and sometimes employer contributions
• Job protection: Most programs require your employer to hold your position or an equivalent one
• Wage replacement (not full pay): Benefits typically replace 60-90% of your wages. Plan for reduced income during leave.
• Application process: You must apply through your state's program and provide documentation

States Without Paid Family Leave

Most states still have no state-level paid family leave. Workers in these states rely on FMLA (12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for eligible employees), employer-provided benefits, short-term disability, and personal savings.

Estimate your costs when planning for a new child with our baby cost calculator.

How Should You Financially Prepare for Family Leave?

• Calculate the gap: If PFL replaces 70% of your wages, you need to cover the remaining 30% from savings
• Build a leave fund: Save 3-4 months of the gap amount before your leave starts
• Review your benefits: Check whether your employer offers supplemental paid leave on top of state benefits
• Coordinate with your partner: If both parents have PFL access, staggering leave can extend total family coverage
• Don't forget new expenses: A new baby adds $500-$1,500/month in expenses on top of your reduced income

Plan your complete family budget with our family leave calculator and baby cost calculator.