·State program
Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)
Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave provides paid, job-protected time off to eligible workers for family caregiving, bonding with a new child, addressing needs related to a family member's military service, or managing their own serious health condition. Funded through employer and employee payroll contributions.
What it offers
Up to 12 weeks of paid family leave per benefit year (for caregiving or bonding), up to 20 weeks of paid medical leave (for own serious health condition), and up to 26 weeks combined in a single benefit year. Benefit amount is approximately 80% of wages up to a threshold, then 50% above, with a maximum weekly benefit of $1,230.39 in 2026 (based on state average weekly wage of $1,922.48). Includes job protection — employers must restore the employee to the same or equivalent position.
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 Massachusetts?
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?