EMPLOYER ACTION REQUIRED

Fall 2026 Registration Opens - Private Plan Declaration of Intent due by November 15, 2026

DOI Deadline: Nov 15, 2026
Starting January 2028

Paid Family & Medical Leave for Marylanders

The Time to Care Act ensures that no Marylander has to choose between their job and caring for themselves or their family.

Weekly Benefit

Up to $1,000

Per week in wage replacement

Coverage Duration

12 Weeks

Of paid leave per benefit year

Security

Job Protection

Right to return to your job

Covering Life's Moments:

New Child
Personal Health
Family Care
Service Members
Program Overview

What is FAMLI?

Maryland's Family and Medical Leave Insurance program

About the Program

Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) is the State of Maryland’s paid leave program. This initiative ensures that workers don't have to choose between their paycheck and caring for themselves or their loved ones during life's critical moments.

  • Available to most Maryland workers
  • Covers bonding, medical, and caregiving needs
  • Job protection during leave
  • Benefits begin January 2028

Key Features

  • Up to 90% wage replacement (max $1,000/week)
  • 12 weeks of leave per benefit year
  • No waiting period for benefits
  • Employer-employee shared contributions
  • State or private plan options
  • Health benefits maintained during leave
Employer Requirements

Who Must Enroll?

Participation in Maryland FAMLI is mandatory. There are no exemptions based on business size. All Maryland employers with at least one employee must participate

1+ Employee

Even if you only have one employee in Maryland, you must enroll

< 15 Employees

Must participate and submit contributions (Employer portion may be waived)

15+ Employees

Full participation required including employer contribution match

Required by Fall 2026: Every employer including non-profit organizations with at least one employee working in Maryland is required to participate.

STARTING JAN 2028

Benefits at a Glance

Comprehensive coverage designed to support Maryland workers.

WEEKLY MAX

Up to
$1,000

Weekly wage replacement based on your income.

DURATION

12 Weeks

Of paid leave per benefit year (up to 24 in special cases).

COVERAGE

90%

Wage replacement up to the state maximum benefit cap of $1,000 per week.

Benefit Example

WEEKLY PAY
$600
BENEFIT
$540

90% Replacement Rate applied

Flexible Scheduling

Take leave as a single continuous block or use intermittent leave in increments as small as 4 hours to fit your schedule.

Requirements

Eligibility Checklist

Who qualifies for Maryland FAMLI benefits?

Work Hours

Must have worked at least 680 hours in Maryland during the previous 4 calendar quarters (base period) to be eligible for benefits.

Work Location

Employee must physically located in Maryland for work. This applies even if you live in another state but work in Maryland.

Participation

All eligible employees must participate. You cannot opt-out of contributions or coverage.

Multiple Jobs Supported

If you work multiple jobs, you may file separate claims for each employer. Each claim is evaluated independently.

Application Timeline

Employees may apply for benefits up to 60 days before their leave starts or within 60 days after leave begins.

View Implementation Timeline
Compare Your Options

Choose Your Path: State vs. Private Plan

Compare your options for compliance, costs, and administration.

State Plan

DEFAULT OPTION
PREFUNDING REQUIREMENT
1-Year Upfront Investment
Contributions start January 2027 and go directly to State Trust Fund. Money is remitted quarterly BEFORE benefits begin.
Financial Flow
Immediate Remittance
Funds leave your business quarterly starting April 2027 to build the state pool.
Cost / Rates
Set by MD Dept of Labor (currently ~0.90%). Same rate for all employers in the pool.
Administration
State handles all claims, approvals, and payments.
Application
Automatic enrollment upon registration. No application fee.
VS

Private Plan

ALTERNATIVE OPTION
CASH FLOW ADVANTAGE
PREFUNDING REQUIREMENT
Funds Held in ESCROW
Funds are held in your control (Escrow) until plan approval. NOT remitted to state.

Commercial: Can be self-funded or funded by employee contributions which must be returned to employees.

Self-Insured: Use escrow funds to pay claims.
Escrow Outcome
Commercial: Can be self-funded or funded by employee contributions which must be returned to employees.

Self-Insured: Use escrow funds to pay claims.
Cost / Rates
Carriers set their own rates. Employee contributions cannot exceed the State plan cap.

See Rate Examples & Calculator
Administration
Insurance carrier or employer manages claims. More control over employee experience.
Application
Must submit Declaration of Intent (Fall 2026) + Application (2027). Fee: $100-$1,000.
Interactive Tool

Instant Quote Rate Calculator

Estimate Your Total Annual Costs*

Payroll contributions + application fees

10
$1,000,000
State Plan
$4,500
No application fee
Private Plan
$4,100
$4,000 + $100 fee
Your Savings
$400
Year 1 Savings

Instant Quote Illustration*

Employees Annual Wages State Plan Private Plan Savings
5 $500,000 $2,250 $2,100 $150
15 $1,000,000 $9,000 $8,350 $650
25+ $2,000,000 $18,000 Requires Underwriting Contact Us

Annual Application Fees

1-14 employees $100/year
15-24 employees $250/year
25+ employees Contact for Quote

Fees paid to Maryland Department of Labor annually

Instant Quote Private Plan Rate Tiers*

Tier 1 (1-14 emp) 0.40% of wages
Tier 2 (15-24 emp) 0.81% of wages
Tier 3 (25+ emp) Requires Underwriting

*Qualification criteria for instant quoting: Max 60% female workforce; excludes Healthcare, Transportation, Social Services, Auto Dealers industries. If your company does not qualify for instant quoting, census data will be necessary for underwriting.

Ready to explore private plan options?

Call 410-483-8888
Important Dates

Employer Implementation Timeline

Key Dates & Required Actions for Maryland Employers

Fall 2026
Register & Plan Decision

ALL employers must register with State (Fall 2026). Private plans submit Declaration of Intent (Sept 1 - Nov 15, 2026).

Jan 2027
Contributions Begin (State Plan) / Escrow Deposits Begin (Private Plans)

State Plan: Start payroll deductions and remit to State. Private Plans: Hold contributions in escrow account. Notify employees 1 pay period before any deductions.

April 2027
First Report Due

Submit first Quarterly Wage & Hour Report to State (required for all plans).

July 2027
Employee Notices

Mandatory notice to all employees required 6 months before benefits launch.

Jan 2028
Benefits Live

Eligible employees can begin filing claims for paid family & medical leave.

Registration Requirement: Fall 2026

State Plan

Automatic enrollment after registration. Universal registration required.

Private Plan Option

Universal registration + Declaration of Intent required by Fall 2026.