District of Columbia

District of Columbia Paid Family Leave (PFL)

District of Columbia Paid Family Leave (PFL)

The District of Columbia Paid Family Leave (PFL) began paying benefits on July 1, 2020. Workers may be eligible for a medical leave if they are unable to work due to a non-work-related injury or illness, including pregnancy and childbirth. Workers may be eligible for paid family leave to care for a sick family member and for child bonding.

Coverage Options: Employers are required to use DC’s PFL program.

Job Protection: The DC PFL program does not provide job protection, only monetary benefits. However, job protection may be provided through other federal or state laws such as the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or the DC Family and Medical Leave Act (DC FMLA).

Benefits:

  • 12 weeks to bond with a new child
  • 12 weeks to care for a family member with a serious health condition
  • 12 weeks to care for your own serious health condition
  • 2 weeks to receive prenatal care
  • Combined max duration of 12 weeks for all leaves
  • Up to 90% of average weekly pay with a $1,118 a week max 

Contributions: 100% employer-paid with employers contributing 0.26% of the wages of the covered employee.

As of April 8, 2024

What is Paid Family & Medical Leave?

Materials

WA DC Employer FAQs View
PFML East Coast Update Webinar Deck View
DC PFML Statutory Leave Benefit Guide View

The District of Columbia's PFL Website Visit
How to Apply for Benefits Visit
State Mandated Poster View
DC Employee Handbook
View
Employer Toolkit and Other Resources View