Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave (ME PFML)

Update (06/01/26, Effective 07/01/26): Maine’s state average weekly wage (SAWW) has been updated to $1,249.12. ME PFML rounds the SAWW up to the nearest dollar (i.e., $1,250) for the purposes of calculating the minimum earnings threshold for employee eligibility, calculating the weekly benefit amount, and establishing the maximum weekly benefit amount. As such, the following will be effective as of July 1, 2026:

• The minimum earnings threshold for employee eligibility will be $7,500 earned within the first four calendar quarters preceding the first day of leave.
• The maximum weekly benefit an employee could receive from ME PFML will be $1,250 (an increase from $1,199).
• The new SAWW will be used for ME PFML claims that have both an application date and a leave start date after July 1, 2026.

Updates to your company handbook may need to be made if you include Maine state-specific income replacement benefits information.

Employers will be required to provide a workplace poster as well as a written notice to each employee within 30 days of the start of employment.

Please ensure as a company you are offsetting any salary continuation/company top-up pay aligned with the new maximum weekly benefit rate, effective 07/01/26.*

*Claims that start prior to 07/01/26 will be awarded the previous benefit rate. Claims that begin on or after 07/01/26 will be eligible for the new maximum benefit rate.

ME PFML Website

ME PFML Bill LD 258

ME Family and Medical Leave Statute

What Employers Need to Know: Program Contributions