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As of 2024, 13 states and the District of Columbia have implemented mandatory paid family leave systems, while 9 additional states offer voluntary programs through private insurance. Together, these programs represent a significant step forward in providing workers access to paid time off for parental leave, caregiving, and personal medical needs.
Mandatory Paid Leave Programs
Mandatory paid family leave systems exist in 13 states and D.C., with the majority adopting a social insurance model. This approach is funded through pooled payroll taxes from employees, employers, or both. The states with this model include:
California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Washington, Colorado, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Oregon, and D.C.
New York takes a unique approach by mandating that employers provide paid leave through private insurance plans. This system, regulated by the state government, ensures standardized benefit levels and premium rates.
Voluntary Paid Leave Programs
Nine states offer voluntary systems that rely on private insurance markets. Seven of these follow a legislative model promoted by the National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL), which allows insurers to sell paid family leave policies.
New Hampshire and Vermont stand out by actively fostering private markets, partnering with a single insurer to offer base plans for the state. These states also include coverage for all state employees to create a more stable risk pool.
Job Protection Laws
At the federal level, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides unpaid, job-protected leave for employees of businesses with at least 50 workers. Many states with paid family leave programs enhance these protections, while others rely solely on FMLA standards.
For a full list of state job protection laws, see the State Family and Medical Leave and Job-Protection Laws explainer.