Maryland paid family leave is entering its next stage as employers prepare for mandatory payroll contributions. Workers could eventually receive up to $1,000 weekly during qualifying leave, as the Baltimore Chronicle newsroom notes.
The changes were reported by WMAR-2 News. Maryland’s official FAMLI program confirms that payroll deductions begin January 1, 2027. Benefits start January 1, 2028.
How Maryland FAMLI contributions will work
Under Maryland FAMLI, the total State Plan contribution rate is 0.9% of covered wages. Employers may deduct up to 0.45% from workers.
The state estimates an average Maryland worker could contribute about $1 per day. Employers with at least one Maryland employee must register for the program.
Several dates now matter for businesses and workers:
- September 2026: employer registration is already open.
- January 1, 2027: payroll contributions begin.
- April 30, 2027: first employer contribution payment is due.
- January 1, 2028: paid benefits become available.
Employers can use Maryland’s State Plan or an approved private plan. Businesses with fewer than 15 employees receive an exemption from the employer contribution portion.
How much Maryland paid family leave will pay
Eligible workers will generally receive up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave annually. Weekly payments can reach $1,000.
| FAMLI provision | Current rule |
|---|---|
| Employee contribution | Up to 0.45% |
| Total State Plan rate | 0.9% |
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,000 |
| Standard annual leave | Up to 12 weeks |
| Benefits begin | January 1, 2028 |
The actual payment will depend on the worker’s average weekly wage. Maryland says benefits can replace up to 90% of wages for lower-paid workers.
For a worker receiving the maximum benefit for 12 weeks, payments could reach $12,000 during the benefit year.
Who can use paid family leave in Maryland
The program covers more than maternity or parental leave. Eligible workers can request paid family leave in Maryland for several qualifying events.
These include caring for a new child, managing a serious health condition, or caring for an ill relative. Certain needs connected with military deployment are also covered.
Maryland Labor Secretary Portia Wu told WMAR that paid leave can improve employee retention. She also argued it helps smaller employers retain skilled workers.
For employees, the immediate change is not a new benefit payment. The first financial impact arrives with payroll deductions in January 2027. Actual paid leave becomes available one year later.
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