What is Paid Family and Medical Leave?

Paid Family and Medical Leave, also known as PFML, will provide eligible Virginia workers with up to 12 weeks of paid leave each year for qualifying family and medical reasons, including:

• Welcoming and caring for a new child through birth, adoption or foster care
• التعافي من حالة صحية خطيرة
• رعاية أحد أفراد الأسرة الذي يعاني من حالة صحية خطيرة
• احتياجات الأسرة العسكرية
• العنف المنزلي أو الاعتداء الجنسي أو المطاردة

This program is funded through a public trust, which is funded by a small payroll contribution paid by employers, self-employed individuals, and workers.  Employers may choose to cover a portion of the employee’s contribution.  

Employers with 10 or fewer employees are not required to pay the employer contribution.

It is designed to provide wage replacement of up to 80% of the employee’s average weekly wage, up to a cap of the state’s average weekly wage.  

Who Will Be Eligible?

The program is expected to cover most Virginia workers, including:

• Full-time and part-time employees
• Employees of small businesses
• Self-employed individuals who choose to participate

State government employees will receive a similar benefit. Employers may also apply to offer an approved private plan that meets or exceeds the benefits provided by the state program.

Specific eligibility requirements, documentation standards and application procedures will be provided as the program is developed and regulations are finalized.

Program Timeline

• 2026–2027: Program Development 
  VEC will develop regulations, technology, policies, and guidance for workers and employers. Throughout this process, the agency will continue engaging stakeholders and sharing updates as implementation progresses.
• أكتوبر 1 ، 2027 
  The VEC Commissioner will establish the Paid Family and Medical Leave contribution rate for calendar year 2028. The Commissioner will set the contribution rate annually by October 1 for the upcoming calendar year.
• يناير 1 ، 2028 
  VEC will establish and begin administering Virginia's Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program.
• نيسان 1 ، 2028 
  Payroll contributions begin for covered employers and employees.
• كانون الاول 1 ، 2028 
  Eligible workers may begin applying for Paid Family and Medical Leave benefits. VEC will begin accepting claims and paying out family and medical leave benefits to eligible individuals.