Blog
Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave
- By: Anna Black
- On: 03/31/2026 10:39:17
- In: Workforce
ATTN: Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave
Beginning May 2026 eligible workers can apply for up to 12 weeks of paid time away from work to manage medical, parental, family, military, or safe leave. The application portal for employees to apply for leave that beginning no sooner than May 1 is now open.
Here's what you need to know:
Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) is a statewide program that ensures Mainers can take time away from work for life's most critical moments — without losing their income or their job. Beginning in May 2026, eligible workers can apply for up to 12 weeks of paid time to step away for medical, parental, family care, military, family, or safe leave.
PFML provides financial security, job protection, and peace of mind for workers, while giving businesses the tools they need to plan ahead and support their teams.
PFML provides financial security, job protection, and peace of mind for workers, while giving businesses the tools they need to plan ahead and support their teams.
MHCA members, be sure to familiarize yourself with employer responsibilities by reviewing available information accessible here:
- Videos for employees about PFML are accessible in various languages:
- PFML Translated Informational Videos for employers
- Pour les employeurs, avec sous-titres français (YouTube) - French
- Pou Anplwayè yo, avèk Soutit Ayisyen/Kreyòl (YouTube) - Haitian/Creole
- Pona ba patrons, na ba Sous-titres ya Lingala (YouTube) - Lingala
- Para empregadores, com legendas em português (YouTube) - Portuguese
- Loo-shaqeeyayaasha, oo wata Qoraal-hoosaadyo Af-Soomaali ah (YouTube) - Somali
- Para empleadores, con subtítulos en español (YouTube) – Spanish
Lastly,
On April 3 PretiFlaherty will host a learning session as part of their annual Employment Law Breakfast Series on navigating PFML.
Presenter Brooke Haley will walk through key components of the State-sponsored program, including eligibility, employer obligations, and the application process, as well as considerations for employers who have opted out.
This free session is both virtual and in-person, with the in-person portion providing breakfast and networking.
Further Details
When:
Friday, April 3, 2026
8:30 - 9:00 a.m. - Breakfast & Networking
9:00 - 10:00 a.m. - Program
Education Credits:
Approval pending for SHRM PDCs and HRCI recertification credits. Approved for 1.0 Maine CLE credit.
Presenter Brooke Haley will walk through key components of the State-sponsored program, including eligibility, employer obligations, and the application process, as well as considerations for employers who have opted out.
This free session is both virtual and in-person, with the in-person portion providing breakfast and networking.
Further Details
When:
Friday, April 3, 2026
8:30 - 9:00 a.m. - Breakfast & Networking
9:00 - 10:00 a.m. - Program
Education Credits:
Approval pending for SHRM PDCs and HRCI recertification credits. Approved for 1.0 Maine CLE credit.
To register for in-person click here: 2026 Preti Flaherty Employment Law Group Breakfast Briefing Series
To register for zoom click here: Webinar Registration - Zoom
Questions may be sent to Amber Mann at amann@preti.com
Staff contact: ablack[at]mehca.org