Maryland to Launch Paid Family Leave Program in 2028
Eligible Maryland workers will gain access to 12 weeks of paid, job-protected leave starting in January 2028.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Child Care
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Maryland will launch its Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program in January 2028, offering up to 12 weeks of paid, job-protected leave. The state-mandated program will provide coverage for births, adoptions, and serious health conditions.
Why it matters
This program significantly alters family planning and household financial logistics for Maryland workers by providing a state-backed safety net. The Department of Labor delayed the rollout due to uncertainties involving federal funding shifts and broader economic variables.
Employees must work at least 680 hours in Maryland over four quarters to qualify for benefits capped at $1,000 weekly. Starting in 2027, a 0.9% contribution rate will be split equally between employers and employees.
The players
Maryland Department of Labor
The state agency responsible for implementing workforce regulations and overseeing the administration of the FAMLI program.
The details
The FAMLI program allows for 12 weeks of leave, with the potential for up to 24 weeks if a worker faces two distinct qualifying events in one year. Employers are responsible for registering their businesses and must choose between the state-managed plan or a private equivalent that meets state standards. Contributions are collected through payroll deductions, ensuring the program is funded by both the employer and the employee.
Timeline
2022: The Time to Care Act was officially enacted into law.
January 1, 2027: Payroll contributions for the FAMLI program begin.
January 2028: The FAMLI program begins providing paid leave benefits.
The Home Front
This program represents a major shift in household financial planning by standardizing paid leave across the Maryland workforce. It aligns with a national trend of states adopting mandatory insurance programs to offset lost wages during family or medical absences.
Maryland households should begin accounting for the 0.45% payroll deduction in their budgets starting in early 2027. Review your current employer-provided leave benefits to see how they may complement or interact with the state's upcoming 12-week coverage limit.
The takeaway
Maryland workers should prepare for the 0.9% total payroll contribution starting in 2027. Keep records of your hours worked, as you will need at least 680 hours in the previous four quarters to be eligible for the maximum $1,000 weekly benefit in 2028.
Further reading
Learn more about local resources for families at Child Care.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Maryland Daily Record.
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