Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave

Beginning in 2026, eligible workers in the private and public sector will have up to 12 weeks of paid time off available to care for their own medical needs, to bond with a child after birth, fostering or adoption, to care for a loved one with a serious health condition, to prepare for a family member's military deployment or to find safety after abuse or violence. Benefits do not become payable until May 1, 2026.

Qualifying Leave Reasons

Medical Leave

Employee’s own serious health condition

Family Leave

  • Bond with a new child (birth, adoption, or foster care placement)
  • Care for a family member with a serious health condition
  • Military exigency
  • Safe leave

Benefit Waiting Period

7 days for medical leave

None for family leave

Benefit Amount

  • 90% of employees average wages up to 50% of the statewide average weekly wage; plus
  • 66% of an employee’s average wages in excess of 50% of the statewide average weekly wage

Maximum Weekly Benefit

The statewide average weekly wage

Maximum Leave Duration

12 weeks

No more than 12 weeks in a benefit year for all leaves combined

Contributions

  • 1.00% of taxable wages
  • Employees – 0.500% of taxable wages
  • Employers – 0.500% of taxable wages
  • For employers with less than 15 employees in ME, there is no employer contribution required
Still have questions? Visit the official state resource for more details.

This information is current has of January 1, 2026 and is subject to change.  Information is reviewed and updated periodically when individual states issue updates. The information is for general informational purposes only and does not purport to be complete or to cover every situation. Please note this information does not constitute legal advice. You must consult with your own legal advisors to determine how these laws will affect you.

Equitable is the brand name of the retirement and protection subsidiaries of Equitable Holdings, Inc., including Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (Equitable Financial) (NY, NY), Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company of America (Equitable America), an AZ stock company, and Equitable Distributors, LLC.  Equitable Advisors is the brand name of Equitable Advisors, LLC (member FINRA, SIPC) (Equitable Financial Advisors in MI and TN).

All group insurance products are issued either by Equitable Financial or Equitable America, which have sole responsibility for their respective insurance and are backed solely by their claims-paying obligations. Some products are not available in all states.