Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) is a state program that provides paid time off for workers needing to care for family members or address their own medical conditions. For expecting birthing parents, PFML would cover both pregnancy and parental leaves. So whether you're welcoming a new child, caring for a sick family member, or managing a health condition, PFML is designed to support Massachusetts workers during these critical life moments.
Both birthing and non-birthing parents, as well as those needing time to care for family or deal with personal medical issues, are encouraged to apply. Massachusetts PFML is funded through contributions from employers and employees. It’s separate from the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and any additional benefits your employer might offer. You can file for PFML up to 60 days before the start of your claim, with benefits generally beginning after the qualifying parental leave event, such as the birth or adoption of a child.
Massachusetts employees can take up to 12 weeks of paid leave per year for bonding with a new child or caring for a family member. If you're the birthing parent, you may be eligible for up to 20 weeks to recover from childbirth. Employees with serious personal medical conditions can also access extended leave under the program. To learn more about Massachusetts PFML, check out their employee toolkit.
The first week of your leave is considered a waiting period, during which no benefits are paid. However, if your company uses Parento and you are an eligible employee, our company will provide parental leave pay for any unpaid waiting period to the limits of the paid parental leave policy.
PFML benefits will cover between 50-80% of your average weekly wage, subject to a maximum weekly cap of $1,170.64 (as of 2025). While the first week of leave is unpaid (the "waiting period"), this amount will help ensure you have income support during your leave. For more detailed calculations on your PFML benefits, check out the state’s benefit calculator.
Benefits under PFML typically begin following the qualifying event for parental leave, such as the birth or placement of a child. You can apply up to 60 days before the leave starts, ensuring that you are prepared ahead of time. PFML is funded through both employer and employee contributions and PFML is different from the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). But unlike most paid leave programs, PFML also offers job protections at a state level.
For more resources and to learn more about PFML benefits and eligibility, check out Parento’s PFL Guide.
By planning ahead and gathering the right information, you can ensure a smoother process and focus on what matters most—your family. For most families, however, PFML isn’t enough. Since PFML has a maximum weekly benefit rate, many employees receive much less than the 50-80% of their weekly pay. To learn more about how Parento helps employers offer paid parental leave up to 16 weeks at 100% pay in conjunction with state programs like PFML, chat with our sales team or visit Gimme Parental Leave if you're a parent!
