Washington State’s Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML) program will see several key changes starting in 2026, including eligibility criteria, reduced leave increments, expanded employment protections, and healthcare coverage continuity.
Overview of Anticipated Changes
Eligibility Criteria remain the same: employees must have worked at least 820 hours in the past 12 months for any Washington employer to qualify for PFML benefits.
Reduced Leave Increments will offer more flexibility, with the minimum claimable time dropping from 8 hours to 4 hours.
Employees who have worked at WSU for 180 days and are approved for PFML will receive job protections similar to the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Under these expanded employment protections, employees can not be terminated, demoted, or penalized for taking leave.
Health insurance will now continue during any PFML-approved period that qualifies for employment protections, even if the leave does not overlap with FMLA, providing better Healthcare Coverage Continuity.
Stay Informed
Live and recorded presentations are planned to help employees understand these changes. Watch for updates in WSU Announcements, on the Medical Leave & Accommodation website, and in upcoming issues of HR Source.
Content Credit: Ann Monroe, HRS Benefits & Medical Leave and Accommodation Director
