Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) is a policy that provides employees with compensated time off to care for their own serious health conditions, bond with a new child or support a family member with a medical need. This program aims to balance workplace responsibilities with personal and family health needs. In Washington state, PFML policies are funded through both the employee and employer, and is designed to help workers maintain financial stability while addressing important life events.
During the 2025 Legislative session, lawmakers passed HB 1213, which requires all employers to reserve the position and continue health care benefits after the employee has worked for only 90 days. Your team was able to secure amendments that increase the amount of time to 180 days and provides a tiered implementation of 25 employees, 15 employees, and ultimately, employers with fewer than eight employees will be exempt. The bill also includes a provision that changes the way employee count is calculated.
Update!
As of Jan. 1, 2025, the premium rate is 0.92%, up from 0.74% in 2024.
Employers contribute 28.48% of the total premium, while employees pay 71.52%.
WA Cares
We’ve included WA Cares, Washington’s long-term care fund, in this toolkit since the reporting for that program is the same as Paid Family Medical Leave.
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