Washington Family Leave Insurance Fact Sheet

Timing: Washington is the second state after California to adopt paid family leave. Washington’s family leave insurance program was signed into law in May, 2007. Benefit payments begin October 1, 2009.

Who’s Eligible: All parents of newborn or newly adopted children who have worked at least 680 hours in the previous year (same requirement as Unemployment Insurance).

Benefits: $250 per week for up to 5 weeks (after a 1 week waiting period), prorated for people working less than 35 hours per week.

Job Protection: For workers in companies with more than 25 employees, who have been with that employer at least a year and worked at least 1,250 hours in the previous year. No worker may be discharged or discriminated against for taking paid family leave.

Elective Coverage: Self-employed people and those otherwise not covered may elect coverage, initially for a minimum of 3 years.

  • Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

More To Read

September 28, 2023

Coming to a town near you—the EOI Policy Team!

To understand the needs and priorities of our state’s different regions, EOI is listening to the people and communities most impacted by our policy priorities.

September 12, 2023

Everyone Loses Under Washington’s Tax System

Except billionaires. And even they lose.

September 6, 2023

This Washington Shows That Washington: Proposed Federal Overtime Protections Can Go Further

Thanks to the work of advocates, thousands of Washington workers are already getting a better deal at work