The Maryland Department of Labor is in the process of establishing our state’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) system. The work of
the FAMLI team is underway. Over the past eight months, they have received a number of questions, particularly from the employer community.
Listed below are a few of the most frequently asked questions from employers:
1. What is family and medical leave insurance (FAMLI)?
Family and medical leave insurance (FAMLI) will ensure eligible Maryland workers can
take up to 12 weeks away from work to care for themselves or a family member and still
receive income of up to $1000 a week. This program is often referred to as “paid family
and medical leave” or simply “paid leave.”
2. Who will be able to receive paid family and medical leave benefits?
There are two groups of workers who will be able to receive FAMLI benefits: employees
based in Maryland and self-employed Maryland residents who opt into the program.
3. How will an employee qualify for benefits?
Any employee with a qualifying event who works at least 680 hours in a position based
in Maryland in the 12 months before they need to take leave will be eligible for benefits.
4. What qualifying events could a worker use leave for?
- To welcome a child into their home, including through adoption and foster care
- To care for themselves, if they have a serious health condition
- To care for a family member’s serious health condition
- To make arrangements for a family member’s military deployment
To see the full FAQs, click here
Previous MACo Coverage of FAMLI:
Updates on Paid Leave Regulations and FAMLI Implementation
Maximizing Your Benefits with FAMLI: Strategies for Coordinating Benefits and Educating Employees
