The Oregon Paid Family & Medical Leave (OR PFML) program was enacted in August 2019, and on January 1, 2022 employee payroll contributions begin. Starting January 1, 2023, benefits will be payable. OR PFML will provide wage replacement benefits to eligible OR workers who need time off from work for their own serious health condition, or medical leave (ML), and for Paid Family Leave (PFL). Workers may be eligible for ML if they are unable to work due to a non-work-related injury or illness, including pregnancy and childbirth. Workers may be eligible for PFL to care for a seriously ill family member, to bond with a new child, and to address matters related to being a victim of family violence.
Coverage Options: Employers can participate in the state-run program or self-insure the paid family and medical coverage with a private plan. The state is currently defining the regulations of the newly signed law. MetLife intends to provide its coverage solution after the state publishes their regulations.
Job Protection: The OR PFML coverage is job protected as an extension of the Oregon Family Leave Act (OFLA). When applicable, a worker should request leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) concurrently.
Benefits: Beginning January 1, 2023, 12 weeks (extra 2 weeks for complications related to pregnancy), workers may receive up to an estimated $1,250/week.
Contributions: Beginning January 1, 2022, contributions will be 1% of an employee’s wage, up to a maximum based on the social security wage index. Contributions can be split between the employer (40%) and the employee payroll deduction (60%).
Key Dates:
- January 1, 2022: Contributions start
- January 1, 2023: Benefits start
As of March 1, 2020
