New England Biz Law Update
The Massachusetts Department of Family and Medical Leave (DFML) has issued new Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) workplace posters, notification forms, and rate sheets for all state employers.
These updates are part of the DFML’s yearly adjustments to eligibility requirements, maximum wage replacement benefit amounts, and contribution amounts.
Here are the changes that went into effect on January 1:
- There are new minimum earnings to be eligible for coverage. PFML will cover most employees who have earned at least $6,000 over the past four quarters, up from $5,700 in 2022.
- The maximum weekly benefit rate for 2023 will be $1,129.82, up from $1,084.31 in 2022.
- For employers with 25 or more employees, the contribution rate will be less than last year, down to 0.63% in 2023 from 0.68% in 2022. For employers with fewer than 25 employees, the contribution rate will go down to 0.318% in 2023, from 0.344% in 2022.
Keep in mind that employers are required to inform their employees of their rights and responsibilities under PFML, including the annual adjustments for the new year, with workplace posters, notification forms, and rate sheets.
The updated poster from the DFML states what PFML benefits are available to employees.
The poster must be located somewhere that employees can read it easily. It must be posted in English, as well as in any other language that is the primary language of five or more employees.
