Learn the advantages of writing Delaware PFML through The DBL Center
Employer contributions for Delaware’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave program went into effect January 1, 2025, with benefits beginning in 2026. The program provides paid time off with up to 80% of wages, up to $900 per week in 2026 and 2027 for new parents, caregivers with a family member with a serious medical condition, family members of deployed U.S. military members, or an employee’s own health condition, as long as the illness or injury was not incurred on the job.
While Delaware offers the same 12 weeks to welcome a new or adoptive child into the family as most other states with Paid Family and Medical Leave programs, it only provides up to six weeks every 24 months for other leave reasons. Also, an employee cannot claim more than 12 weeks leave, combined, for any reason in one year.
Deadline for Privatizing Delaware PFML
All Delaware employers with 10 or more workers must participate in the program, either with a state plan, a private plan through a carrier, or a self-insured plan.
The DBL Center can help brokers write plans through top-rated carriers. We have been a leader in the field of PFL since 2017, when our home state of New York first introduced one of the most robust PFL programs in the nation. It took other states a while to catch up, but Paid Family and Medical Leave programs now fill important roles in supporting the sandwich generation with aging parents, young families, and the families of our nation’s military.
The deadline to file for a private plan in Delaware passed on December 15, 2024. But it’s not too late for brokers to plant the seeds for Delaware business owners to privatize PFL in October 2025, when the window opens again.
Benefits of Writing Delaware PFML through a Private Plan
By law, any private plan must have benefits that are the same, or better, than the state plan, at premium rates the same or lower than the state plan. In addition to potential cost savings, which employers can use to expand their ancillary benefits package, a private plan has other benefits for employees and business owners, alike.
Smooth, Fast Claims Process
When your clients write a private plan through one of The DBL Center’s preferred carriers, they aren’t at the mercy of the state when it comes to filing a claim. They will receive white-glove, personalized service.
White-Glove, Personalized Service
The burden of claims administration doesn’t have to fall on you, the broker, either.
The DBL Center team is here to act as your white-glove, white-label back-office staff to help guide your clients through the process of writing a private policy and filing claims.
We know that most of our brokers focus on the big money-makers like health insurance. We want to make it easy for you to write statutory and ancillary benefits that will increase your commissions, help your clients, and establish your insurance brokerage as a top, trusted resource when it comes to all employee benefits.
DBL Center Founder David Cohen used to remind me: “Stay true to our expertise, as we have been providing required state disability, paid family leave and ancillary employee benefits since 1976.“
We have not wavered from this philosophy and, as paid family and medical leave programs expand across the U.S., we have the expertise and experience to help your brokerage grow through these opportunities.
Access to Advanced Technology
When you rely on The DBL Center to help you write and manage statutory policies for your clients, you also gain access to our industry-first Broker Dashboard: Net Revenue Tracker. Through the cloud-based or mobile app (available for Android and iOS) you can easily:
View cancellations, renewals and commissions
- Access important forms
- Access carrier portals with one click from a drop-down menu
- Generate reports
- Locate specific policies
You can also sign up for push alerts to your email, which provide a list of upcoming cancellations and renewals, allowing you to be more proactive in running your business.
Plan Ahead for 2026
Our clients and colleagues know how we believe in planning ahead here at The DBL Center. With the new window for privatizing PFML in Delaware opening in October, it’s time to be proactive. Consider your existing Delaware clients and new opportunities in the state. Begin educating Delaware business owners on the benefits of privatizing. The DBL Center is here to help guide you.
FAQ
Does Delaware have a paid family leave program?
The state of Delaware introduced a Paid Family and Medical Leave program, which goes into effect January 1, 2026. Employers must begin paying premiums as of January 1, 2025. Delaware business owners have the opportunity to privatize PFML for personalized service and potentially faster claims payouts.
What is the difference between PFL and PFML?
PFL (Paid Family Leave) and PFML (Paid Family Medical Leave) are statutory benefits in a growing number of U.S. states. PFML provides partial pay replacement to employees who need time off to care for a child or family member, as well as time off for their own illness or injury incurred off the job. Paid Family Leave, offered in New York, only provides paid time off to care for others. New Yorkers can file a DBL claim to cover their own medical leave.
How much does FMLA pay in Delaware?
Delaware’s new FMLA program will pay 80% of an employee’s wages, up to $900 per week, in 2026 and 2027.
