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PFML Programs on the Horizon
Four more states are gearing up to require Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML) starting in 2026: Delaware, Maryland, Maine, and Minnesota. With these new additions, the nation’s tally of state-mandated PFML-type programs in effect will reach 14 by mid-2026.
Key Dates and Timeline of Emerging PFML Program Milestones
2026 may seem far away, but there’s a lot of groundwork to lay — states need to finalize their rulemaking, private carriers are getting ready for quoting and benefit administration, employers will soon need to start collecting contributions.
While benefits are scheduled to begin in 2026 in all four states, each state has its own set of key dates and milestones to remember between now and when benefits go into effect. Our chart and list below are sorted by the soonest action needed to ensure you stay on track!
Delaware
Program name: Delaware Paid Leave
Who needs to provide: most Delaware businesses with 10+ employees
Private Plan applications window: 09/01/24-12/01/24
Contributions (payroll deductions) begin: 01/01/25
Deadline for 1st employer contributions to State Plan: 04/30/25
Benefits begin: 01/01/26
Sign up for DE Paid Leave updates
Maine
Program name: Maine Paid Family & Medical Leave (ME PFML)
Who needs to provide: all employers with employees in Maine
Private Plan applications window: to be announced
Contributions (payroll deductions) begin: 01/01/25
Deadline for 1st employer contributions to State Plan: 04/30/25
Benefits begin: 05/01/26
Please note: Maine legislation allows for a one-time delay of PFML benefits of up to 3 months, depending on the outcome of the Maine PFML Authority’s actuarial study (which is due by February 1, 2026) and a vote by the Maine PFML Benefits Authority. In that case, the start date for benefits may be pushed back to no later than 08/01/26.
We will keep you updated on any developments that may arise as the date draws near, so be sure to sign up for updates!
Sign up for ME PFML updates
Maryland
Program name: Maryland Family & Medical Leave Insurance (MD FAMLI)
Who needs to provide: all employers with employees in Maryland
Private Plan applications window: to be announced
Contributions (payroll deductions) begin: 07/01/25
Deadline for 1st employer contributions to State Plan: 10/31/25
Benefits begin: 07/01/26
Sign up for MD FAMLI updates
Minnesota
Program name: Minnesota Paid Leave
Who needs to provide: most employers in Minnesota (details to follow)
Private Plan applications window: to be announced
Contributions (payroll deductions) begin: 01/01/26 ($668 million from MN’s surplus budget will pre-fund the program)
Deadline for 1st employer contributions to State Plan: 04/30/26
Benefits begin: 01/01/26
Sign up for MN Paid Leave updates
With state-specific milestones, benefits, and program names, be sure to sign up for updates – we will remind you of significant milestones as they draw near and keep you up-to-date with any new information that may come out.
Private Plan Option
Private plans have emerged as an important alternative to state-sponsored PFML plans, helping employers strike the right balance between coverage and cost to comply with state regulations and complete their benefit equation. Private carriers have built the experience, scalability, and agility to manage statutory benefits coverage and have the resources to continuously expand and enhance capabilities to provide smooth service from onboarding to claims.
Our Guide to Private Plans for Employers can help kickstart these discussions, guiding employers through their options.
While Delaware already announced its Private Plan application window, sign up for state-specific updates above to be informed when Private Plan application windows become available for Maine, Maryland, and Minnesota.
If you have any questions on these programs please reach out to us at 1-800-365-4999 or at sales@shelterpoint.com. We are with you every step of the way!
This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not an offer of coverage or intended to provide legal counsel. Please consult with an appropriate professional for legal and compliance advice. Any information is based on the applicable statutes and regulation, and may change as regulations evolve or states issue guidance regarding Paid Family & Medical Leave and other state disability program regulations.
* The ShelterPoint family of companies operates under the “ShelterPoint” name strictly as a marketing name, and no legal significance is expressed or implied. The ShelterPoint family of companies consists of ShelterPoint Life Insurance Company, a NY-domiciled carrier, and its wholly-owned subsidiary ShelterPoint Insurance Company, a FL-domiciled carrier, depending on the state. ShelterPoint is a registered service mark. Policies for Private Plans of Statutory Benefit Programs are underwritten by ShelterPoint Life Insurance Company in: NY (SPL DBL1114 P, SPL DB0922 F), NJ (TDB-P-NJ), CT (SPL PFMLP 0122 CT), MA (SPL PFMLP 0820 MA), CO (SPL PFMLP 0123 CO), DE (policy form # pending), MD (policy form # pending), MN (policy form # pending) ME (policy form # pending); and underwritten by ShelterPoint Insurance Company (a FL-domiciled carrier) in OR (SPI PFMLP 0123 OR).