·State program
District of Columbia Universal Paid Leave (UPL)
DC's Universal Paid Leave program provides up to 12 weeks of partial wage replacement for workers who need time off to care for a seriously ill family member, bond with a new child, or recover from their own serious health condition. Benefits have been available since July 1, 2020. The program uses a sliding-scale formula: 90% of the first $900/week of wages plus 50% of wages above that threshold, up to a current maximum of $1,190/week. It is fully employer-funded through a 0.75% payroll tax. DC UPL does not provide job protection, unlike most state paid family leave programs.
What it offers
Up to 12 weeks of wage replacement for family caregiving, 12 weeks for parental bonding, 12 weeks for own medical leave, and 2 weeks for prenatal leave. Sliding-scale formula: 90% of the first ~$900/week of wages plus 50% of wages above that, up to a current maximum of $1,190/week. Covered family members include spouse, domestic partner, parent, parent-in-law, child, grandparent, and sibling. Funded entirely by employer payroll tax at 0.75% of wages. DC Paid Family Leave does not provide job protection, though other leave laws may.
Questions that decide eligibility
GiveCare prepares the questions; the program makes the decision. Bring these to the call or the application:
- 01
Does the person receiving care live in District of Columbia?
Residency is usually the first thing a program checks.
- 02
Does the VA disability rating meet the program’s minimum (our record lists null%)?
- 03
Do the work hours meet the minimum (our record lists null hours)?
- 04
Is there a caregiver-specific department, coordinator, or support line? Ask for it by name.
Many agencies have one that isn’t advertised on the website.
- 05
What documents do you need from us to start an application?
- 06
Is there a waitlist right now, and how long is it?