Maine Paid Family & Medical Leave Insurance (ME PFML)

What Is ME PFML?

Maine’s Paid Family & Medical Leave is the state‑mandated program that provides eligible employees with partially paid time off for up to 12 weeks per benefit year for qualifying personal and family needs. Additional leave time available under specific circumstances listed below:

Eligible reasons for ME PFML benefits include:

• The employee’s own serious health condition
  • Complications to pregnancy and/or childbirth included
  • Includes a 1-week unpaid waiting period.
• Bonding leave to care for a new child, including birth, adoption, or foster placement
• Caring for a family member with a serious health condition, including a:
  • Child, spouse/domestic partner, sibling, parent
  • Grandparent or grandchild
  • A designated individual the employee has a significant personal bond that is like a family member regardless of legal or blood relationship.
• Qualifying military exigency
• Safety for the employee or family member who is experiencing domestic abuse/violence, sexual assault/abuse or stalking.

What Is The Weekly Paid Benefit Under ME PFML?

In 2026, the maximum weekly benefit is $1,198.84

The maximum weekly benefit will align with the state’s average weekly wage effective every July 1.

The benefit calculation is tiered so that lower wage earners receive a higher wage replacement benefit. Below are the steps needed to calculate the individual’s benefit payment.

1. Calculate the employee’s average weekly wage (AWW)
   • Take the state reported wages in the base period divided by 52.
2. Calculate weekly benefit

Is ME PFML Job‑Protected?

Yes. ME PFML provides job protection once the employee has been with their current employer 180 days. It may run concurrently with the laws below, depending on employee eligibility.

• Federal FMLA – Family & Medical Leave Act
• MFMLA – Maine Family & Medical Leave Act

Which Employers Are Required To Provide ME PFML?

Most private employers with one or more employees working in Maine are covered under ME PFML and must provide benefits.

This requirement includes:

• Employees working in Maine (not resident state)
• Remote workers whose work is based in Maine

It does not include businesses or workers:

• Federal or tribal governments
• Self-employed individuals
• Or workers subject to the Railroad Unemployment Act, Incarcerated persons, students under federal work-study programs, and volunteers.

How Much Does ME PFML Cost?

ME PFML Public Plan

• Contribution rate: 1.0% of covered payroll will continue through 2027
• Payroll is capped at the Social Security wage base published annually in October
• Contributions may be split 50/50 employer and employee‑paid via payroll deduction
• Small employers with <15 Maine workers are not assessed as the employer portion of the contribution. They will remit 0.50%, which can be fully funded through payroll deductions.

Private Plan Alternative

• Private plans are individually underwritten
• Payroll deductions may be used but cannot exceed the public plan cost for employees. For 2026, that is 0.50% (which is 50% of the state’s rate)

What Is A ME PFML Private Plan?

When Maine employers register with the state, they are automatically enrolled in the ME PFML Public Plan.

However, employers may instead comply through a state‑approved private plan.

A ME PFML private plan may be either fully insured or self‑insured and must:

• Provide the same or better benefits as the public plan
• Offer equal rights and protections to employees
• Cost employees no more than the state plan payroll deduction

The DBL Center works with a network of approved private plan carriers that offer compliant and cost‑effective solutions.

What Are The Advantages Of A Private Plan?

Choosing a private plan may offer several advantages, including:

1. Potential cost savings
   • Plans are individually underwritten, similar to other insured employer benefits
   • Employers receive an exemption from contributing to the state PFML fund
2. Improved claims experience
   • Faster claims turnaround times
   • Direct access to dedicated claims professionals instead of call centers
3. Employer‑level absence reporting
   • Visibility into claim status and leave dates
   • Especially helpful for tracking intermittent leave

How Do I Apply For A Private Plan?

The DBL Center team supports both you and your clients throughout the entire private plan process.

Step 1: Request a Private Plan Quote
We compare private plan pricing, benefits, and service levels against the state public plan.

Required census details include:

• All Maine employees
• Gender
• Employment status (full‑time, part‑time, seasonal)
• Employee age
• Total Maine wages (including overtime and bonuses)

Step 2: Select an Insurance Carrier

• A ME PFML Specific policy will be issued.

Step 3: Apply for the State Exemption
Submit the private plan exemption application at: Maine Paid Leave Contributions Portal

• This is the same portal used for public plan administration
• A private plan application fee will be applied
• The state will issue:
  • Approval confirmation
  • Contribution exemption effective date
• Private plan approvals and contribution exemptions are granted for three years
• ME PFML will send reminder notices for annual maintenance activities to keep your private plan compliant.
• Best Practice – ME PFML private plans are effective the 1^st of the new quarter. However the contribution exemption may be backdated making it a complex transition from the public plan to a private plan. We recommend aligning your private plan application with the dates below so that your private plan exemption and private plan insurance coverage align to the same date.

Why Choose DBL Center?

The DBL Center has 40 years of experience in state‑mandated disability and leave programs. Let us be your trusted partner for navigating complex PFML requirements.

We provide:

• PFML Expertise in new and developing state mandated programs.
• Strategic review of state mandated benefits
• Access to competitive, compliant private plan options
• Ongoing service and support beyond the initial sale
• The Net Revenue Tracker offers a dashboard to manage your renewals, cancellations and book of business from anywhere.

Our goal is to deliver cost‑effective solutions with a seamless experience for both employers and employees.