Premiums Increase Next Year For WA's Paid Family & Medical Leave

OLYMPIA, WA — Premiums for Washington's Paid Family & Medical Leave (FMLA) benefits will increase in the new year to keep up with the number of people utilizing the program, the state Employment Security Department announced Thursday.

On Jan, 1, the premium rate will increase from 0.6 percent to 0.8 percent, with most employers responsible for a little more than a quarter of the total, with the remaining amount withheld from employee paychecks.

Washington's unique FMLA benefits allow workers to take up to 12 weeks of paid medical or family leave per year. For qualifying life events, residents can receive up to 90 percent of their weekly wage, up to a maximum of $1,327, depending on their income level.

The law requires ESD officials to recalculate premiums each October based on how many people utilize benefits. This year, the state said 154,000 people claimed more than $1 billion in benefits.
Earlier this month, the Associated Press reported the program would run an $8.7 million deficit by the end of 2022. A report presented to a state task force recommended higher rates through 2024, followed by a slight reduction beginning in 2025.

>> Learn more about Washington's paid family leave program online.