Maryland Delays Paid Family and Medical Leave Contributions - HR ALERTS

Maryland Delays Paid Family and Medical Leave Contributions

Contribution Start Date: January 1, 2027 Benefits Available: January 3, 2028

Maryland has again delayed implementation of its Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program under the state’s Time to Care Act.

Under House Bill 102, contributions that were previously scheduled to begin July 1, 2025, will now begin January 1, 2027. Access to benefits has also been postponed from July 1, 2026, to January 3, 2028.

Beginning January 1, 2027, covered employers, employees, and participating self-employed individuals must make contributions to fund PFML benefits.

It is important to note that anti-retaliation and notice provisions have been in effect since January 1, 2023.

This program has been amended multiple times since its original enactment in 2022, with prior delays to both contribution withholding and benefit availability.

What This Means for Employers

• Payroll systems should be prepared to begin contribution withholding on January 1, 2027.

• Budget forecasting may need to be updated to reflect the revised timeline.

• Employers should ensure compliance with existing notice and anti-retaliation requirements, which are already in effect.

• Leave policies should be reviewed in advance of the January 3, 2028 benefit availability date.

Action Recommended

Maryland employers should monitor further guidance from the state and begin planning for payroll and administrative implementation ahead of the January 2027 contribution start date.

Reference: MD S.B. 275 (as amended by S.B. 828, S.B. 485, and H.B. 102)

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