Governor Moore Announces Employer Registration for Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Is Live

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Wes Moore announced today that employer registration for Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) in Maryland is now live—a critical step forward in implementing this new program. Employers are strongly encouraged to register as soon as possible at paidleave.maryland.gov, so they can be fully prepared for the rollout of this highly anticipated program.

When benefits become available, the program will provide employees with up to 12 weeks of job-protected, paid time off—up to $1,000 a week—to welcome a new child, tend to their own or a family member’s serious health condition, or manage urgent family needs related to deployment. In addition to helping workers stay financially stable during tough times, this program will help employers recruit and retain talent in a competitive landscape where neighboring jurisdictions—including DC, Delaware, New Jersey, and Virginia—already or will soon offer family and medical leave.

“Maryland workers deserve time to manage the biggest moments in life—having a baby, tending to a serious health condition, caring for a loved one, or managing urgent family needs—without worrying about their employment,” said Gov. Moore. “Maryland’s paid family and medical leave program will make Maryland’s economy more competitive by helping ensure our workers don’t have to choose between their job and their family and our employers don’t have to choose between supporting their employees and making payroll.”

“As we implement Maryland’s paid leave law, we know employers will have questions about how the program works and specific steps they need to take,” said Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu. “Whether you are a small business owner handling HR yourself or a large employer with a big payroll system, the Department of Labor is here to support you every step of the way. We want to make registration as seamless and straightforward as possible.”

FAMLI is an insurance program where contributions go into a dedicated fund that provides partial wage replacement during a period of leave, offering greater financial predictability for both workers and employers. All employers with at least one Maryland-based employee are required to register. Employers have the choice to participate in FAMLI’s State Plan or apply to provide a private plan.

Under Maryland law, the State Plan is funded through quarterly contributions from employers and employees. Employers can withhold up to half of the contribution rate from employees via payroll deductions. Employers with fewer than 15 employees will qualify for FAMLI’s small employer discount, making them exempt from the employer’s portion of the contribution. More than 80% of Maryland employers will qualify for this discount, designed to support Maryland’s small businesses.

When benefits start, either the State Plan or the employer’s private plan will provide partial wage replacement to the employee while they are on leave.

While employers should register now, other key dates are also quickly approaching: employers must begin withholding contributions via payroll deductions in the first pay period in January 2027, and the first contribution payment will be due April 30, 2027. Job-protected, paid leave will become available beginning in January 2028.

For more information about FAMLI, visit paidleave.maryland.gov or contact the Customer Care team at (410) 525-4010 or [email protected].

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Dinah Winnick