The Massachusetts Department of Family & Medical Leave (DFML) announced the 2025 rate for the MA Paid Family & Medical Leave (MA PFML) State Plan, including the updated weekly benefit.
What is the MA Paid Family & Medical Leave Rate for 2025?
The overall 2025 PFML maximum contribution will remain unchanged at 0.88%. Employers can choose to cover some or all of the employee contribution. Here’s a breakdown based on employer size and leave type:
For Employers with 25 or more covered individuals:
Total contribution:
- 0.88% of eligible wages
- 0.46% max. employee contribution
- 0.42% employer contribution (may vary if the employer opts to cover more)
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
- 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 not required
Leave-specific breakdown of the maximum contribution in 2025:
- Medical Leave component:
- 0.28% of eligible wages, employee share
- Employer share not required
- Family Leave component:
- 0.18% employee contribution
- Employers are not required to contribute to Family Leave
- 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 rate, so be sure to speak to your broker regarding any questions about the rate.
Learn more about Private Plan coverage from ShelterPoint here.
What is the 2025 MA PFML Maximum Weekly Benefit?
The MA DFML also announced the maximum weekly benefit for MA PFML for 2025.
Starting January 1, 2025, the maximum weekly benefit will increase to $1,170.64 – up from $1,149.90 in 2024. This is based on the State Average Weekly Wage (SAWW) of $1,829.13.
How do you calculate the maximum weekly benefit for 2025?
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 up to 50% of the SAWW
- Plus, 50% of the employee’s average weekly wage which is over 50% of the SAWW
- Overall, capped at the maximum weekly benefit of $1,170.64 in 2025.
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.
Need to estimate the benefit payment? The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides a helpful MA PFML benefit calculator for employees to estimate their specific benefit payment.
Additional 2025 MA Paid Family Medical Leave Updates Coming Soon
Stay tuned for the announcement of the federal 2025 Social Security Income Limit later this fall.
Why you’ll need this number: You can determine the new employee contribution cap for 2025 by applying the 2025 state contribution rate to the 2025 Social Security income limit.
Visit our Massachusetts PFML pages for details about this program, which will be updated at a later time, including rate, financial eligibility, and benefit information – so sign-up now to keep up with the latest news on MA PFML!
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. All coverage extends up to MA PFML Law limits reflected in the policy. Please refer to the policy and MA PFML law and regulations for coverage details, a complete listing of covered services, provisions, conditions, exclusions, and terms under which the policy may be continued or cancelled. In the event of conflicting information with the policy and applicable MA PFML Law and regulations, the policy and MA PFML Law and regulations will take precedence over what is shown in this material. Claim payment is not guaranteed; benefit amount depends on wages. Policies have a statutory 7-day waiting period. The waiting period does not apply to bonding leave if immediately preceded by medical leave.