Understanding how updated leave benefits affect claimants, employers, and third-party administrators (TPAs).
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Overview
The DC Council has passed updates to Paid Family Leave (PFL) as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Support Act of 2026. These updates take effect October 1, 2026, and affect the number of weeks available under Medical Leave and Family Leave. Prenatal Leave and Parental Leave maximum leave durations will remain the same.
Source: Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Support Act of 2026 (Bill 26-661), passed by the Council of the District of Columbia on final reading July 7, 2026.
What’s Changing
| Benefit Type | Current | New Weeks (as of Oct. 1) |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Leave | 12 weeks | 10 weeks |
| Family Leave | 12 weeks | 6 weeks |
| Weekly Benefit Maximum | $1,190 | $1,100 |
What’s Staying the Same
| Program Detail | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Prenatal Leave | Remains 2 weeks. Not affected by this legislative update. |
| Parental Leave | Remains 12 weeks. Not affected by this legislative update. |
| Employer contributions | No change. Leave remains fully employer-funded with no payroll deductions from workers. |
| Wage replacement structure | Sliding scale wage replacement (up to 90%) remains unchanged. |
For Employers and Third-Party Administrators (TPAs)
Employer obligations are not changing. PFL remains fully employer-funded, with no payroll deductions required from employees.
Employers should be prepared to help employees understand the new leave-week structure, particularly for staff who may be planning Medical or Family leave around the October 1, 2026 transition date.
Employers should also be prepared to update the Mandatory Employee Notice. This notice must be posted in a place that is accessible to all workers.
Get Help: OPFL hosts virtual employer office hours where employer representatives can ask questions about compliance, reporting, and how these changes affect their workforce.
Get Help & Ask Questions
However you prefer to connect, our team is here to help you understand what these changes mean for you.
Read the FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about these program changes – what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and how the timing of your application matters.
Virtual Employer Office Hours
For employers and TPAs: join a live Q&A session on compliance, reporting, and what these changes mean for your workforce.
Call Our Team
Speak with our Call Center directly for help with your claim or general questions about the program.
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Send us your questions any time and our team will follow up.
Visit In Person
Get in-person assistance at any American Job Center location. Appointments are required.
Request a Workshop or Tabling
Want OPFL to come to you? Claimants and community members can request a PFL workshop for their community or ask OPFL to table at an upcoming event.
