Did you know that workers in Washington State may be entitled to paid family and medical leave benefits that most other states don’t offer?
Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) is a state program that began paying benefits on January 1, 2020. It is an excellent benefit for Washington workers, especially during the pandemic when so many families have been struggling with financial and personal hardships.
If you live in Washington State and cannot work due to a serious medical condition, the PFML program can work in tandem with your short-term or long-term disability insurance coverage. And depending on your insurance provider, you may be able to receive paid leave at the same time you get your private disability insurance payments.
Wondering if this program might be an option for you? Let’s dig into some details about how this might help you if you’re going through a tough time.
What does PFML cover, and for how long?
There are two types of paid leave available through the PFML program:
- Medical leave for your illness, treatment, or preventative care
- Family leave for a family member’s illness or other qualifying family events
Medical leave
You could qualify for medical leave if you have suffered a severe health condition that prevents you from working.
Family leave
Family leave benefits may be used to care for a family member with a serious health condition, for bonding with a new baby or child (biological, adopted, foster, or stepchild), or for military family leave.
Amount of coverage
The WA PFML program covers up to 12 weeks of paid leave a year, depending on the medical provider. You may be eligible for up to 16 weeks of combined medical and family leave if you have more than one qualifying event within the same claim year.
Eligible employees may receive up to 90 percent of their gross wage, to a maximum weekly benefit of $1,206 and a minimum of $100. That amount is based on a statewide weekly average.
The Washington PFML program covers up to 12 weeks of paid leave a year, depending on the medical provider.
A private disability insurance plan will likely provide a higher portion of your typical earnings than PFML. For example, most short-term disability plans cover 80-100% of your weekly gross income rather than a statewide average.
Learn more: What is the difference between a short-term and long-term disability plan?
Who is eligible for PFML?
To qualify for coverage from the Paid Family and Medical Leave program, you must meet these basic requirements:
- You must have worked at least 820 hours over the previous year (roughly 16 hours a week) –– this can include combined hours worked at more than one employer.
- Your job must meet specific eligibility requirements.
Those who are not automatically eligible for paid leave include:
- Federal employees
- People employed by a business located on tribal land
- Self-employed individuals who do not opt into the program
- Some union workers (check with your employer or union representative)
How does PFML work with private disability insurance?
The PFML program can offer paid leave benefits when needed most – but it might not provide enough coverage, especially if you cannot work for an extended period.
Private disability insurance coverage, whether through an employer or yourself, can be a critical lifeline in the event of a long-term illness or injury. You may be able to receive short-term disabiilty at the same time as Paid Family and Medical Leave, but this will depend on your policy. You should consult your plan summary to learn about potential restrictions.
The unfortunate downside to private disability insurance is that your benefits generally don’t come easy. Unlike a state program, there are many more hoops to jump through. Disability insurance companies will look for any excuse to deny your claim. Their goal is to protect their bottom line and avoid paying benefits to claimants whenever possible.
If you’re struggling to get your benefits through a short-term or long-term disability policy, reach out to our team of experts in Washington State disability law for a free consultation.
Know your options
Knowing that your income is covered can give you much-needed peace of mind when dealing with a significant life event that impacts your ability to work. We want to be sure you know all your options to help ease your financial burden during a difficult time.
If you’re interested in applying for PFML benefits in Washington State, visit the program’s website and consult with your employer to learn more.