Massachusetts
Paid Family Medical Leave

A

If you are a Massachusetts employee, the answer is yes. Beginning January 1, 2021, Massachusetts employees are entitled to apply for and receive Paid Family and Medical Benefits. This new law allows employees with a “serious health condition” to receive up to twenty (20) weeks of paid benefits. 

Massachusetts employers must also ensure that the leave is “job protected” and ensure that the employee is reinstated to his or her position (or substantially equivalent position) when the leave of absence ends. Not every medical condition will qualify as a “serious health condition.” Under the PFML, only those illnesses, impairments or physical or mental conditions that involve “inpatient care…or continuing treatment by a health care provider” will qualify.

A

Massachusetts paid family and medical leave laws are still being implemented. The initial law went into effect in January 2021. You will not be able to take PFML to care for a family member who has a serious health condition until July 1st, 2021. At that time, the program will be fully implemented and employees will be eligible to access paid leave benefits for workers who have immediate family members with a serious health issue. 

A

Companies and organizations that violate the law face liability. Massachusetts employers that fail to grant this leave when required, who do not reinstate employees upon completion of the leave, or who otherwise retaliate against workers who take PFML leave, are liable for three times the employee’s lost wages, plus costs and attorneys fees. If you believe that your rights were violated under the Massachusetts PFML program, contact an experienced employment attorney right away.