Article
5 min read
What is Massachusetts’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Program (PFML) in 2025?
PEO
US payroll
Author
Shannon Ongaro
Last Update
June 13, 2025
Key takeaways
- Massachusetts' PFML program provides wage replacement for up to 20 weeks of medical leave and 12-26 weeks for family leave, covering major life events and caregiving needs.
- Employees and employers share PFML contributions, calculated at 0.88% of eligible wages, based on clearly defined eligibility criteria.
- Deel PEO simplifies your HR and payroll compliance, keeping your business seamlessly aligned with Massachusetts' PFML regulations.
Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) helps employees manage major life events, such as welcoming a new child, handling medical challenges, or supporting family during military service. For employers, understanding contribution rates, eligibility rules, and application steps is key to smooth operations and compliance.
With Deel’s expert support and streamlined PEO solutions, you’ll confidently manage payroll, benefits, and local rules. Here’s what employers should know about Massachusetts paid family leave.
Understanding Massachusetts PFML
The Department of Family and Medical Leave oversees the Commonwealth’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program. This program provides temporary income replacement to eligible workers who are welcoming a new child into their family, are struck by a serious illness or injury, need to take care of an ill or ailing relative, and for certain military considerations.
Contributions are allocated between medical leave and family leave benefits and vary based on the size of the employer.
| Coverage: | Paid parental leave Health reasons Caregiving |
|---|---|
| Total contribution | 0.88% of eligible wages |
| Employee contribution | Medical Leave: 0.28% of salary up to $176,100 Family Leave: 0.18% of salary up to $176,100 |
| Employer contribution | Medical Leave: 0.42% of salary up to $176,100 Family Leave: 0% of salary up to $176,100 |
| Maximum entitlement | $1,170.64 per week |
| Duration | Up to 20 weeks' medical leave Up to 12 or 26 weeks of family leave |
See also: Comprehensive Guide to Payroll Taxes in Massachusetts
Eligibility for Massachusetts PFML
Employees must have earned a minimum of $6,300 in the last four completed calendar quarters and at least 30 times the amount of their weekly benefit rate.
Also, they must have made contributions for family and medical leave for at least two out of the last four completed calendar quarters before applying for benefits.
What Massachusetts PFML covers
| Coverage reason | Description | Length of Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Medical leave | For the employee's own serious health condition, including pregnancy/childbirth | 20 weeks |
| Bonding with a new chid | Birth, adoption, or foster care placement for either or both parents | 12 weeks |
| Caregiving | Pprovide care for a family member with a serious health condition | 12 weeks |
| Military exigencies | Related to a family member's active duty or call to active duty | 12 weeks |
| Military caregiver | Providing care for a covered service member with a serious health condition | 26 weeks |
Massachusetts PFML benefits
The combined duration of benefits for both Medical and Family leaves is 26 weeks in a 52-week period. This benefit year starts on the Sunday before the first day of leave and runs for 52 consecutive weeks.
Wage replacement is calculated by the Department of Family and Medical Leave and is based on the annual average income of each employee. The maximum benefit amount is $1,170.64 per week.
Job protections
Employees on Paid Family and Medical Leave are entitled to job protection provided by the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Massachusetts’ PFML law.
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How to apply for paid family leave in Massachusetts
Eligible employees must apply for benefits directly with the Massachusetts Department of Family and Medical Leave, which administers the Paid Family and Medical Leave program. Employees will be required to submit documentation such as medical certificates and other information to substantiate their benefit claims.
Apply online for PFML benefits.
Keep compliant with Deel PEO
New to managing parental and family leave laws in Massachusetts? Consider using a PEO in Massachusetts. With Deel PEO, you can offload compliance risks and processes to ensure state-specific alignment.
- Fully in-house operations for improved support and workflows
- Expert payroll administration, HR, and benefits compliance
- Exclusive Aetna International benefits plans for W2 employees travelling abroad
- Built-in compliance for local and federal coverage
- 60+ domestic benefits plans with Fortune 500-caliber benefits
- Trainings, HR policies, and on-demand HR support
- And more
To learn more about how you can use Deel PEO to scale in the US, book a 30-minute call with one of our dedicated experts.
About the author
Shannon Ongaro is a content marketing manager and trained journalist with over a decade of experience producing content that supports franchisees, small businesses, and global enterprises. Over the years, she’s covered topics such as payroll, HR tech, workplace culture, and more. At Deel, Shannon specializes in thought leadership and global payroll content.
