Since January, 2025, both Maine employers and employees have helped to fund the payroll contributions for this new state program.
Benefits for this program began on May 1, 2026. Employees will need to apply directly with the State of Maine for this program, not the Episcopal Diocese of Maine.
The Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave program provides up to 12 weeks of benefits for key life events. Benefits are flexible and portable. Eligible leave can be for:
- Medical Leave: For times when a serious health condition keeps an individual from working.
- Parental Leave: Time to bond with a new child.
- Family Care Leave: Time to care for a loved one with a serious health condition.
- Military Family Leave: Time to prepare for a family member’s deployment.
- Safe Leave: Time to find safety when an individual or a family member is the victim of abuse, violence, or sexual assault.
The Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave website, maine.gov/paidleave, has more information for employees who want to submit an application. The application and approval process will be administered by Aflac on behalf of the State of Maine.
When you visit maine.gov/paidleave you’ll also find:
- An overview of Paid Family and Medical Leave and the different types of leave.
- Guidance on how to apply for benefits.
- Tips on how to manage a claim once submitted.
- A Benefit Estimator to help people estimate what their partial wage replacement benefits might look like while on leave.
- FAQs in multiple languages.
- Beginning on March 30, 2026, the link to the application and the number to call to apply by phone.