Maryland

Maryland enacted its Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program in 2022 and will begin paying benefits in 2026. Employers can opt-out of the state program in favor of an equivalent private insurance plan (EPIP) that is equal or better than the state program.  

Eligibility:

Employers

Any organization that employs at least one employee in Maryland.

Self-employed individuals are not covered, but have the option to enroll in the state plan.

Employees

Employees are eligible for FAMLI if they have worked at least 680 hours over a 12-month period prior to the date on which their leave begins.

Benefits overview

Qualifying Reasons

Medical leave

  • Employee’s own serious health condition

Family leave

  • Bond with a new child after birth, adoption, or foster care placement
  • Care for a family member with a serious health condition
  • Military exigency related to a family member’s active military duty or call to active duty
  • Care for a service member

Duration of Leave

12 weeks of paid leave in an application year

An employee can receive an additional 12 weeks of paid leave if the employee has a claim for both bonding and their own serious health condition during the same year

Benefit Calculation

90% wage replacement for any wages up to 65% of the state average weekly wage (SAWW)

65% of SAWW + 50% wage replacement for any wages over 65% of SAWW

The maximum benefit is $1,000

Waiting Period

There is no waiting period under Maryland FAMLI so benefit payments begin as of the start date of leave

Leave Frequency

Leave can be taken continuously, intermittently, or on a reduced schedule. Intermittent leave may not be in increments of less than 4 hours.

Job Protection

Maryland FAMLI is job protected leave

Additional information:  

Private Plans (EPIPS)

Employers may opt out of the state plan in favor of a private plan.

A private plan must:

  • Provide equal to or better benefits than those under the state plan
  • Cover all employees employed by the employer
  • Guarantee employee contributions are not greater than what the employee would pay under the state plan
  • Include no additional requirements or conditions than the state plan

Covered Family Members

Under Maryland FAMLI, employees may take family leave to care for a family member with a serious health condition. Covered relationships include:

  • Spouse
  • Child (biological, adoption, foster, or step-child)
  • Parent (biological, adoption, foster, step, or in-law)
  • Sibling
  • Grandparent
  • Grandchild

To learn more about Maryland’s paid leave program, visit the Family and Medical Leave Insurance website.

Back to top