Oregon Paid Family & Medical Leave Insurance (OR PFML)

What Is Paid Leave Oregon (PLO)?

Paid Leave Oregon is the state‑mandated paid family and medical leave 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 brings the max leave available to 14 weeks.

Eligible reasons for OR PFML benefits include:

• The employee’s own serious health condition
  • 2 additional weeks available for complications to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including lactation.
• 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
  • Any individual related by blood or affinity whose close relationship is like a family member
• Safety for the employee or their minor child who is experiencing domestic abuse/violence, sexual assault/abuse, stalking or bias crimes.

What Is The Weekly Paid Benefit Under OR PFML?

In 2026, the maximum weekly benefit is $1,636.56

The maximum weekly benefit is 120x 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 year divided by 52.
2. Calculate weekly benefit

Is OR PFML Job‑Protected?

Yes. OR 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

Unlike other states with similar unpaid leave laws, it does not run concurrently with

• OFLA – OR Family Leave Act

Which Employers Are Required To Provide OR PFML?

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

This requirement includes:

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

It does not include businesses or workers:

• Federal or tribal governments
• Self-employed individuals

How Much Does OR PFML Cost?

PLO Public Plan

• Contribution rate published by PLO annually in November
• Payroll is capped at the Social Security wage base published annually in October
• Contributions may be split 40/60 employer and employee‑paid via payroll deduction
• Small employers with <25 nationwide workers are not assessed as the employer portion of the contribution. They will remit 0.60%, which can be fully funded through payroll deductions.

Private Plan Alternative

• Private plans will have equivalent benefits but their cost can be individually underwritten
• Payroll deductions may be used but cannot exceed the public plan cost for employees. For 2026, that is 0.60% (which is 60% of the state’s rate)

What Is An OR PFML Private Plan?

When Oregon employers register with the state, they are automatically enrolled in the Paid Leave Oregon (PLO) Public Plan.

However, employers may instead comply through a state‑approved Equivalent Private Plan.

An OR PFML equivalent 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 equivalent private plan carriers that offer compliant and cost‑effective solutions.

What Are The Advantages Of A Private Plan?

Choosing an equivalent private plan may offer several advantages, including:

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

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

Step 2: Select an Insurance Carrier

• A OR PFML Specific policy will be issued.

Step 3: Apply For The State Exemption
Submit the Equivalent private plan exemption application at: Frances Online Landing Page

• This is the same portal used for public plan administration
• An equivalent plan application fee will be applied
• The state will issue:
  • Approval confirmation
  • Contribution exemption effective date
• Equivalent private plan approvals and contribution exemptions must be reviewed annually for the first three years. After that, it will only need to be renewed if a substantive change is made.
• PLO will send reminder notices for annual maintenance activities to keep your equivalent private plan compliant.
• Best Practice – OR PFML private plans are effective the 1^st of the new quarter. We recommend aligning your private plan application with the dates below so that your equivalent private plan exemption aligns with the policy effective 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 to support the ever changing rules and regulations of 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.