·State program
Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)
Maine's Paid Family and Medical 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, recover from their own serious health condition, address domestic violence/abuse (safe leave), or handle military exigency. Maine was the 13th state to enact PFML. Contributions began January 1, 2025; applications opened March 30, 2026; benefits are LIVE as of May 1, 2026. Uses a sliding-scale formula: up to 90% of wages, capped at the state average weekly wage; the current Maine estimator caps weekly benefits at $1,250. Covers all employers regardless of size. Claims are submitted through the Aflac worker portal.
What it offers
BENEFITS LIVE since May 1, 2026. Up to 12 weeks of wage replacement for family caregiving, parental bonding, own medical leave, safe leave (domestic violence/abuse), or military exigency. Eligibility requires enough Maine wages in the base period: at least six times the state average weekly wage in the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before leave begins. Sliding-scale formula: up to 90% of wages, capped at 100% of state average weekly wage (SAWW); the current Maine estimator caps weekly benefits at $1,250. Covered family members include spouse, domestic partner, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, and grandchild. Funded by 1% payroll tax for employers with 15+ employees (may deduct up to 50% from employee wages); 0.5% for employers with fewer than 15 employees (may deduct 100% from employee wages). Job protection provided after 120 days of employment. Intermittent leave available in 1-hour increments. Self-employed individuals and tribal governments may elect coverage. Private plan substitution available. Claims are submitted through the Aflac worker portal.
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 Maine?
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?