Insurance brokers can fill gaps and offer peace-of-mind
The US is woefully behind when it comes to maternity leave. As of 2022, (the most recent year for which we have statistics) the US shares the dubious distinction, along with Papua New Guinea, of having no standardized, national paid maternity leave.
The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) offers unpaid job protection at the federal level for many workers. Any paid parental leave is mandated only on a state-by-state basis. And, at this point, not even half of all US states currently mandate PFML.
The number of states offering PFML is growing annually and The DBL Center is your top resource to write state-mandated benefits through private policies.
World Health Recommendations for Recovery and Bonding After Childbirth
The World Health Organization recommends at least 16 weeks of paid leave for birthing parents. In states that mandate paid family leave, workers can claim partial pay benefits for up to 12 weeks to care for a newborn infant, newly adopted or foster child within the first year. Depending on the state, the birthing parent may be able to claim additional time for their own recovery under medical leave or temporary disability leave.
Workers in the majority of states rely on company’s private parental leave policies to provide time off they need to recover and care for their child.
Daycare as a Choice
Daycare costs for newborn infants are often cost prohibitive. Although some US daycares accept babies as young as six weeks, some experts recommend that a baby get on a feeding and sleeping schedule with the primary caregivers before attending daycare. This can happen at 3 to 6 months or later.
The decision to put an infant in daycare or hire an in-home caregiver is personal to each family and depends on a number of factors, including the impact on a parent’s career and the family income. Generous paid parental leave policies are about giving parents the choice to stay home longer, get into a routine, and know they have income and job security.
Paid Family Leave: A Better Way
As of 2026, 11 states have mandatory paid family leave programs for either parent within the first year of a child’s birth (or an adoption or foster intake). See the best states for paid family leave here.
Many of these states have private options, allowing reduced premium rates, better service, and more flexible payouts.
These programs also give P&C insurance brokers licensed in these states opportunities to increase commissions, grow their book of business and build relationships through a required benefit.
Many business owners don’t know about the rules in their state, as programs across the US evolve quickly. Providing PFML or PFL coverage becomes even more complicated when you have employees working remotely or working across state lines. Brokers knowledgeable about employee benefits can help guide these business owners.
Let The DBL Center Help You Grow Your Book of Business Through Required Benefits
Most brokers earn their bread-and-butter commissions through healthcare coverage or P&C. The DBL Center focuses on statutory Paid Family Leave, disability coverage, and ancillary benefits, including LTD, STD, Life, Dental, Vision and voluntary worksite benefits.
Our knowledgeable team, combined with our state-of-the-art Net Revenue Tracker: Broker Dashboard and Marketing Analysis, can help you quote, write, and manage paid family and medical leave, disability insurance, and ancillary benefits.
Our relationships with top-rated carriers helps us secure the best premium rates with no minimum requirements or quotas to meet. Brokers can focus on their core strengths, build relationships, and trust The DBL Center to act as their back office staff.
The DBL Center has been proud to be on the front lines of PFL coverage since the first private program was introduced in New York State in 2017.
It’s an important benefit with far-reaching economic and social impact. Education is the key, and business owners will turn to their trusted insurance brokers for the information they need as benefits evolve. The DBL Center can help you provide the answers – and the coverage – they need.
FAQs
How long is paid maternity leave in the US?
The United States does not have a federal paid maternity leave policy. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides 12 weeks of unpaid job protection for parents of any gender to care for and bond with an infant within the first 12 months. Some states provide paid family and medical leave, typically offering 12 weeks time off with partial pay.
Which US state has the best maternity leave?
According to independent research by The DBL Center, Oregon is rated the state with the best paid family and medical leave policy, offering up to $1636 per week in 2026, ranging from 50% to 100% of an employee’s average weekly wage for up to 12 weeks. Other states with robust programs include New York and Massachusetts.
Do fathers get paid paternity leave in the US?
The US does not have a national paid family leave program for mothers or fathers. Fathers in some states can file a paid family and medical leave claim to care for and bond with a new infant within the first year of birth. The FMLA provides job protection for new parents to take up to 12 weeks unpaid time off.
