Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave (WA PFML) Calculator
Estimate your 2026 weekly benefit, total paid leave payout, and income gap under Washington law. Eligible workers receive up to $1,647/week for up to 12 weeks.
Max Weekly Benefit
$1,647
2026 statutory cap
Max Duration
12 Weeks
Bonding / Caregiving
Wage Replacement
90%
Of average weekly wage
Waiting Period
7 Days
Before benefits start
Worked Example: A $75,000 Salary on WA PFML
Here is how the Washington statutory formula applies to a typical worker earning $75,000 per year ($1,442/week):
Gross weekly income before leave ($75K ÷ 52)
Based on Up to 90% of wages on lower tier; progressive sliding scale up to cap
Total income shortfall over 12 weeks
Key Program Rules
- ✓Up to 12 weeks of bonding leave for either parent within 12 months of birth or placement
- ✓Up to 16–18 weeks combined family and medical leave for birthing parents experiencing childbirth complications
- ✓Maximum weekly benefit of $1,647 for 2026 (one of the highest in the US)
- ✓The 7-day waiting period is completely waived for parental bonding claims
Statutory Disclosures
- Administering Agency
- Employment Security Department (ESD) →
- Tax Treatment
- The IRS has issued mixed guidance on WA PFML; consult a CPA. Washington has no state income tax.
- Payroll Contribution
- 0.74% total premium (approx 71% employee paid, 29% employer paid for 50+ employers)
- Job Protection
- Job restoration rights apply if you meet FMLA eligibility criteria (1,250 hours worked, 12 months tenure, 50+ employees).
Frequently Asked Questions About WA PFML
How much does Washington Paid Family Leave pay?
Washington replaces up to 90% of your earnings for wages up to 50% of the state average weekly wage, with a sliding scale for higher earnings, capped at $1,647 per week in 2026.
Is there a waiting period for Washington baby bonding leave?
No. While Washington PFML has a 7-day waiting period for medical leave and caring for family members, the waiting week is waived for baby bonding.
Can Washington workers use PFML if they work remotely?
If your employer reports your wages to Washington ESD and you pay the WA PFML premium on your paycheck, you are eligible even if you work remotely.
Sources: Official Washington program site, our methodology.
Program rules last verified 2026-09-29. Confirm current figures with the agency before filing a claim.
Compare With Other State Paid Family Leave Programs
Explore paid leave formulas and weekly caps across other states with statutory programs: