Maryland FAMLI for Employees: What to Know
Maryland employees will soon notice a new deduction appearing on many paychecks.
The state’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance program, known as FAMLI, will provide eligible employees with paid, job-protected leave for certain family and health-related reasons.
Payroll contributions begin in January 2027. Eligible employees will be able to apply for benefits beginning January 2028.
The Maryland Department of Labor has published detailed FAMLI guidance for employees. This article introduces the program and explains what employees should expect. For complete eligibility rules, benefit calculations, forms, and updates, employees should use the official state website.
Key Takeaways
Payroll deductions begin Jan 1, 2027.
FAMLI benefits become available Jan 1, 2028.
The initial total contribution rate is 0.9% of covered wages for 2027.
Employers may deduct up to 0.45% of covered wages from employee pay.
Eligible employees may receive up to 12 weeks of paid, job-protected leave.
Weekly benefits may replace up to 90% of wages, subject to a maximum of $1,000 per week.
Employees generally need at least 680 hours of qualifying Maryland work to become eligible.
Leave may be available continuously or in smaller intermittent periods.
Exact eligibility and benefit amounts depend on the employee’s work history and reason for leave.
Quick Links
What Is Maryland FAMLI?
Maryland FAMLI is a state insurance program designed to provide eligible employees with partial wage replacement while taking leave for certain family or medical reasons.
The program may cover situations such as:
Welcoming or caring for a new child
Managing an employee’s serious health condition
Caring for a family member with a serious health condition
Addressing qualifying family needs connected to military deployment
Benefits are scheduled to become available on Jan 1, 2028. The state says eligible employees may receive up to 12 weeks of paid, job-protected leave annually, subject to the program’s eligibility and leave rules.
For a complete explanation of covered events and employee eligibility, visit the state’s FAMLI program overview.
When Will Maryland FAMLI Begin?
The program has two important dates for employees.
Jan 1, 2027: Payroll Contributions Begin
Employers may begin deducting the employee portion of FAMLI contributions from regular paychecks.
Employees should review their first 2027 pay statements and learn how the new deduction is labeled in their employer’s payroll system.
Jan 1, 2028: Benefits Become Available
Eligible employees will be able to use FAMLI leave for qualifying events beginning on this date.
Contributions begin one year before benefits so the program’s insurance fund can begin accumulating money before claims are paid.
How Much Will Employees Contribute?
Maryland has set the initial State Plan contribution rate at 0.9% of covered wages, up to the applicable Social Security wage limit.
An employer may deduct up to half of that amount from an employee’s paycheck. For 2027, the employee share may therefore be as much as 0.45% of covered wages.
For example, if an employee earns $1,000 during a pay period, the employee contribution could be up to $4.50.
Some employers may choose to pay more than their required share or cover the employee contribution entirely. Employees should ask their employer or payroll department how the contribution will be divided.
Maryland plans to set contribution rates annually, so the amount may change in future years.
Can Employees Opt Out?
Under the current State Plan guidance, employees working in positions localized in Maryland cannot opt out of contributions simply because they do not expect to use the benefit.
Contributions are also not refundable if the employee never applies for leave.
Where an employee lives is not the only factor. FAMLI generally looks at where the work is performed and whether the position is considered localized in Maryland.
Remote employees, employees working across state lines, and workers with unusual work arrangements should consult the official guidance or contact the FAMLI Division if they are uncertain about coverage.
This article provides general bookkeeping and recordkeeping information. It is not legal, tax, payroll, or benefits advice. FAMLI requirements may change, so employers should verify current information directly with the Maryland Department of Labor and consult the appropriate professional for guidance specific to their business.
Who Will Be Eligible for Maryland FAMLI?
Employees generally must have worked at least 680 hours in a position localized in Maryland during the four reported calendar quarters before filing a claim or beginning leave, whichever occurs first.
FAMLI does not have a minimum income requirement or an age restriction.
The hours may come from full-time, part-time, seasonal, or other qualifying employment. Because employers will report hours and wages each quarter, accurate payroll and employment records will affect eligibility determinations.
Employees must also be employed when applying for benefits. If someone changes jobs, qualifying Maryland hours may still count, but the employee will apply through the current employer’s plan.
Employees may submit an application up to 60 days before or 60 days after the first date of leave needed for a qualifying event.
What Can Maryland FAMLI Leave Be Used For?
FAMLI leave may be available for several types of qualifying events.
Bonding With a New Child
Leave may be available to care for a newborn or to prepare for or bond with a child placed through adoption, foster care, or kinship care.
The leave generally must occur during the first year following the birth or placement.
An Employee’s Serious Health Condition
An employee may be able to take leave for a serious condition requiring hospitalization, continuing medical treatment, surgery, or ongoing care.
A licensed healthcare provider may need to certify the condition and the amount of leave required.
Caring for a Family Member
Leave may be available when an employee needs to care for a qualifying family member with a serious health condition.
Maryland’s definition of a family member covers several relationships. Employees should review the state’s program overview for the complete definition.
Uniformed Service-Related Needs
FAMLI may cover leave to care for a family member whose serious condition was caused or worsened by uniformed service.
It may also cover certain needs related to a family member’s deployment, such as arranging childcare, attending military events, addressing financial or legal arrangements, and attending counseling.
How Much Leave May Be Available?
Eligible employees may request up to 12 weeks of FAMLI leave during a 12-month benefit year.
The benefit year begins on the Sunday before the employee’s first day of approved leave and continues for 12 months.
The amount approved will depend on:
How much leave the employee requests
How much leave is supported by the required medical certification
How much FAMLI leave remains available during the benefit year
In special circumstances, an employee who experiences a personal serious health condition and welcomes a new child during the same benefit year may qualify for additional leave, potentially bringing the total to 24 weeks.
Employees should not assume that every situation automatically qualifies for the full amount.
This article provides general bookkeeping and recordkeeping information. It is not legal, tax, payroll, or benefits advice. FAMLI requirements may change, so employers should verify current information directly with the Maryland Department of Labor and consult the appropriate professional for guidance specific to their business.
Continuous and Intermittent Leave
FAMLI leave may be taken continuously or intermittently, depending on the employee’s needs and approval.
Continuous Leave
Continuous leave is one uninterrupted period away from work.
An employee recovering from surgery, for example, might be approved to remain away from work for six consecutive weeks.
Intermittent Leave
Intermittent leave is taken in smaller blocks.
An employee receiving recurring medical treatment may need several hours or days away from work at different times rather than one continuous absence.
Under the State Plan, intermittent leave generally must be taken in periods of at least four hours unless the employee’s scheduled shift is shorter. An approved private plan may allow shorter periods.
Employees taking intermittent leave should coordinate the expected schedule with their employer and follow applicable notice requirements.
If the dates, amount, or reason for approved leave changes, the employee must update the claim within 10 days.
How Will Benefits Be Calculated?
FAMLI benefits will be based on the employee’s Average Weekly Wage.
To calculate that amount, the FAMLI Division will generally:
Identify the employee’s highest-earning quarter from the previous four reported quarters
Add the wages earned during that quarter
Divide the total by 13 weeks
That result is compared with Maryland’s State Average Weekly Wage.
Employees with lower average weekly wages may receive up to 90% of their regular weekly wages. Employees earning above the state threshold will use a different calculation.
The maximum FAMLI benefit is currently set at $1,000 per week.
Because the benefit may be less than the employee’s normal paycheck, employees considering future leave should avoid assuming that the program will replace their full income.
What If You Work More Than One Job?
An employee may be able to file a separate FAMLI claim for each current employer.
Each position must be localized in Maryland, and the employee must still be working for the employer when requesting leave.
Benefits will be calculated separately for each employer. The employer’s State Plan or approved private plan will process its portion of the claim.
How Long Will a Claim Take?
After an employee submits a claim, the employer will have five business days to provide relevant information if it chooses to respond.
Once the claim is complete, the FAMLI Division will have 10 business days to make a decision.
The first approved benefit payment should be issued within five business days after the claim is approved or the leave begins, whichever happens later. Additional payments should be issued at least every two weeks.
Current guidance states that there will be no waiting or elimination period. Approved benefits may begin on the first day of qualifying leave.
How Employees Can Prepare
Although benefits do not begin until 2028, employees can take several practical steps before then.
Review Your Pay Statements
Beginning in January 2027, look for the FAMLI deduction on each paycheck.
If the deduction appears inconsistent or unclear, contact the employer or payroll department. Keep copies of the pay statements while the program is being introduced.
Ask Which Plan Your Employer Will Use
Employers may participate in the State Plan or an approved private plan.
Knowing the plan type will help employees understand where to apply, how claims will be processed, and whether any plan-specific procedures apply.
Keep Employment Information Current
Make sure the employer has the correct name, address, contact information, work location, and employment details.
Errors in payroll or employee records could make it more difficult to verify wages and hours when a claim is submitted.
Learn the Notice Procedure
Employees should ask how the employer wants to receive notice of an upcoming leave.
Giving notice does not replace the formal FAMLI application, but following the employer’s established procedure may reduce confusion and delays.
Keep Supporting Documents Together
Depending on the type of leave, employees may need medical certification, placement information, deployment documentation, or other supporting records.
Keep copies of submitted documents and note when each item was provided.
Plan for the Difference in Income
FAMLI may replace a substantial portion of weekly wages, but it may not replace the entire paycheck.
Employees anticipating planned leave should review regular household expenses and estimate how the approved benefit could affect their short-term cash flow.
Use the State Website for Current Information
Maryland FAMLI is still moving toward full implementation. Contribution rates, forms, procedures, and supporting materials may be updated before benefits begin.
Employees should review the official Maryland FAMLI employee guide and sign up for state email updates.
Questions about individual eligibility, covered family relationships, medical certification, contribution amounts, or claims should be directed to the Maryland FAMLI Division or another qualified professional.
This article provides general bookkeeping and recordkeeping information. It is not legal, tax, payroll, or benefits advice. FAMLI requirements may change, so employers should verify current information directly with the Maryland Department of Labor and consult the appropriate professional for guidance specific to their business.
