FAMILY LEAVE

to be there when they need you most

Paid family leave is offered through Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program and provides you with a partial wage replacement if you miss work to take care of a seriously ill family member, to bond with a new child, or to spend time with a family member in the military.

who can take paid family leave?

You can qualify for paid family leave as long as you work a minimum of 820 hours (about 16 hours a week) in Washington during the qualifying period, which is about the last year. The 820 hour can be at one job or combined from multiple jobs.

Using your benefit

when should i apply?

When you need to take time off to care for a family member who has a serious health condition, if you are welcoming a new child, or if your family member is about to be deployed overseas or is returning from overseas deployment.

Here is how:

1. Let us know that you need time off at least 30 days in advance, whenever possible, or as soon as possible, if your family leave is unexpected.

2. Visit the WA Paid Family & Medical Leave website and apply online. Watch this short video to find out how.

WHEN WILL MY BENEFIT KICK IN?

After meeting a 7-day waiting period, measured Sunday through Saturday (waived if your leave is to bond with a new child). You can use accrued leave while meeting your waiting period.

how much leave can i take?

Up to 12 weeks.

how much will I get paid?

Up to 90% of your average weekly wage. You can estimate your benefit by using this calculator or by contacting the Employment Security Department (ESD).

Note: Any accrued leave you use while you receive a benefit payment from ESD will reduce your PFML benefit amount.

You will be paid by ESD, not the utility. Watch this short video and learn how to file your weekly claim.