Maryland Paid Family Leave Program Starts in 2028

Maryland employees will soon be eligible for 12 weeks of job-protected paid leave to care for family and medical needs.

Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Child Care

Bold vector editorial illustration of an open home doorway and key hook, signifying the security of Maryland's upcoming paid leave benefits. — Maryland's paid family and medical leave program takes effect in 2028, offering up to $1,000 per week for eligible workers. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Maryland employees will soon be eligible for 12 weeks of paid, job-protected leave for family or medical reasons through the state's upcoming insurance program. The initiative, established by the 2022 Time to Care Act, is set to go into effect on January 1, 2028.

Why it matters

This program provides a financial safety net for Maryland households, offering up to $1,000 per week to support caregivers during major life events. It ensures that workers can take time off to care for themselves or loved ones without risking their employment status.

The Family and Medical Leave Insurance program provides up to 12 weeks of annual paid leave with a $1,000 weekly maximum benefit. The program becomes active on January 1, 2028, following the 2022 passage of the Time to Care Act.

The players

Maryland General Assembly

The state legislative body responsible for enacting laws regarding labor, public health, and family welfare.

The details

Eligible employees will access paid, job-protected time off to manage the birth of a child or care for a loved one. The benefit is designed to replace a portion of income during extended absences, allowing for personal or family medical needs. Residents are encouraged to monitor state guidance on the forthcoming application procedures and eligibility verification requirements.

The Maryland General Assembly passed the Time to Care Act in 2022.
The Family and Medical Leave Insurance program officially begins on January 1, 2028.

The Home Front

This program represents a major expansion in state-level labor protections for Maryland families. It follows the precedent of the 2022 Time to Care Act, which shifts the burden of family leave from private employer policies to a state-managed insurance model.

Maryland households should begin evaluating their long-term childcare and medical planning needs ahead of the January 2028 program launch. Check your current employer's benefits handbook to see how this future state program might integrate with existing leave policies.

The takeaway

Maryland employees will soon gain access to state-backed, job-protected paid leave for family medical needs. Start planning for the 2028 rollout by reviewing your family's long-term care needs and current employer benefits.