Updated 10/12/23: The new federal Social Security Income Limit for 2024 was released: it will increase from currently $160,200 to $168,600. Therefore, the MA PFML maximum employee contribution for 2024 will be $775.56.
The Department of Family & Medical Leave (DFML) released the 2024 rate for the MA Paid Family & Medical Leave (MA PFML) state plan as well as the updated weekly benefit.
What is the MA Paid Family & Medical Leave Contribution Rate for 2024?
The overall 2024 PFML maximum contribution will increase to 0.88%, up from 0.63% in 2023. Employers can choose to fund part or all of the employee contributions. Depending on the group size and type of leave, this breaks out as follows:
For Employers with 25 or more covered individuals:
Total contribution:
- 0.88% of eligible wages
- 0.46% max. employee contribution
- 0.42% employer contribution (employer share proportionately larger if the employer chooses to fund a higher share of the overall required contribution)
Leave-specific breakdown of the maximum contribution:
- Medical Leave component:
- 0.70% of eligible wages split into:
- 0.28% employee share
- 0.42% employer share
- Family Leave component:
- 0.18% employee contribution only since employers are not required to contribute to the Family Leave portion regardless of group size.
- Together, both leave type-specific contribution shares add up to the 0.46% maximum employee contribution.
For small groups with less than 25 covered individuals:
Total contribution:
- 0.46% of eligible wages
- 0.46% max. employee contribution
- Employer contribution n/a
- Contribution level only in the amount of the max. employee contribution applies as employers are exempt from contributing the employer share.
Leave-specific breakdown of the maximum contribution in 2024:
- Medical Leave component:
- 0.28% of eligible wages
- 0.28% employee share
- Employer share n/a
- The Medical Leave contribution portion is only in the amount of the employee share for this leave type, as employers are not required to contribute to the Medical Leave component.
- Family Leave component:
- 0.18% employee contribution only since employers are not required to contribute to the Family Leave portion regardless of group size.
- Together, both leave type-specific contribution shares, add up to the 0.46% maximum employee contribution.
A note about MA PFML private plans
Private plan rates are not tied to the state plan contribution rate, so your 2024 rates may not be affected. Be sure to speak to your broker regarding any questions about the rate.
Learn more about ShelterPoint private plan coverage here.
What is the MA PFML Maximum Weekly Benefit for 2024?
As of January 1, 2024, the maximum weekly benefit will increase to $1,149.90 – up from $1,129.82 in 2023.
The updated State Average Weekly Wage (SAWW) will be set at $1,796.72 and used to calculate the 2024 weekly Paid Family & Medical Leave benefit.
How do you calculate the maximum weekly benefit for 2024?
The weekly MA PFML benefit is made up of two factors, capped at the just updated maximum weekly benefit.
Weekly Benefit Calculation:
- 80% of the employee's average weekly wage that is equal to or less than the threshold of 50% of the SAWW,
- Plus, if the employee’s average weekly wage exceeds 50% of the SAWW, an additional 50% of the wages in excess of the threshold
- Overall, capped at the maximum weekly benefit of $1,149.90 in 2024.
The SAWW is adjusted annually in October, and the DFML may adjust the maximum benefit cap on an annual basis at around the same time.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides a MA PFML benefit calculator for employees who would like to estimate their specific benefit payment.
What Additional 2024 MA Paid Family Medical Leave Updates to Look Out For?
The federal 2024 Social Security Income Limit is expected to be announced later in the fall.
Why you’ll need this number: By applying the 2024 state contribution rate to the 2024 Social Security income limit, you can determine the new employee contribution cap for 2024.
Visit our Massachusetts PFML pages for details about this program.
You can learn more about calculating contributions here but note that our website and ABCs of MA PFML will be updated in December to reflect 2024 changes (including rate, financial eligibility, and benefit information), so stay tuned for our announcement later this year!
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This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal counsel. Please consult with an appropriate professional for legal and compliance advice. Any MA PFML information is as of the blog post’s date stamp; it is based on the applicable statutes and regulations and may change as regulations evolve or MA issues guidance regarding Paid Family and Medical Leave laws and regulations.