Work and Paid Family Medical Leave

Parental leave is time off from work to recover and bond with your baby. Some jobs may have parental leave as one of your work benefits. This leave may be paid or unpaid. 

Whether or not your job has parental leave, you may be able to use Paid Family and Medical Leave. 

What is Paid Family and Medical Leave?

Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) is a Massachusetts program that may give you partial pay while you are not working. 

• It can be used for your own medical recovery
• It can be used by you and another parent to bond with your baby.
• PFML is different from parental leave your job may provide. 

Can I Use Both? 

Yes, sometimes you may get PFML and be able to use parental leave from your job. Ask your HR department how your work leave and PFML fit together.

How Do I Know if I Qualify?

Many workers in Massachusetts can use PFML. Check with your employer or HR department about your specific benefits. 

How Much Time Can I Take?

The amount of time and pay depends on your situation. Your provider, employer, or HR team can help talk about your options. 

What Should I Do First?

Talk to your boss or HR department. Ask about your workplace rules and how to apply for Family and Medical Leave.

Talk to your provider. We will help with medical paperwork if you need it.

Talk to DFML about benefits and eligibility. Call the DFML Contact Center at 833.344.7365 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Plan ahead. Start talking about parental leave early. Paperwork can take time.