Paid family & medical leave in Washington

Washington runs Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) — wage replacement while you take time off for your health or a family member's. Here's what it pays, and how it fits with FMLA.

Wage replacement

Up to 90% of weekly pay, capped at $1,647/week

Your own health condition

Up to 12 weeks (14 with a pregnancy incapacity certification)

Caring for family

Up to 12 weeks (combined cap of 16 weeks; 18 with pregnancy or birth complications)

Who pays for it

1.13% of wages — employees pay about 71%, employers about 29% (employers under 50 employees skip the employer share)

Job protection: Yes — as of 2026, job restoration covers employers with 25+ employees once you've been employed 180+ days, with health benefits maintained.

2026 expanded the program: the job-protection threshold dropped from 50 to 25 employees and the minimum absence for a claim fell to 4 consecutive hours. One unpaid waiting week applies to most claims (waived for bonding leave).

Official WA program site →

How it works with FMLA

Think of it as two layers. Federal FMLA is the job protection layer: up to 12 weeks per year where your employer must hold your position and keep your health insurance active — but it pays nothing. Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) is the money layer: it replaces part of your wages while you're out.

When you qualify for both, they typically run at the same time — protected job, partial paycheck. And both layers usually need the same thing to start: certification from a licensed health care provider that your condition (or your family member's) qualifies.

How LeaveMD helps in Washington

One telehealth evaluation with a clinician licensed in Washington— $159.99 one-time, or $49/month for unlimited consultations. If certification is appropriate, we complete your employer's FMLA forms and the medical certification your state claim needs — and handle HR follow-ups. If it isn't, you get a full refund.

Common questions in Washington

Five minutes today. Protected leave in Washington if you qualify.

The eligibility check is free, takes about two minutes, and your employer is never contacted.

Check if you qualify — free →

You pay only if you book — full refund if certification isn't appropriate for you.

Program figures as of 2026-07-07, from official WA sources. Rates and caps change — verify current amounts with the state before making decisions. This page is general information, not legal advice.