Sign up for the Today newsletter
Get everything you need to know to start your day, delivered right to your inbox every morning.
Where to go for information on taking a maternity leave in Massachusetts
Pattie Hunt Sinacole shares current information on benefits which may be available if a new baby is on the way
Q: I am expecting a baby in the fall, 2025. I work for a small company, and in our handbook, it says we can take five sick days. Seems like that is old information, or does my CEO know what is current, or not, for 2025? My sister got 10 weeks off, and she works for a five-person company. My partner’s company says he can take some time off. I was told by a friend that I am ineligible for leave because my office is small, and there is no one to cover for me. Is this true?
A: Congratulations on the upcoming addition to your family! Leaves in Massachusetts, and elsewhere, are confusing.
Advertisement:
It sounds like you may be eligible for benefits under the Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML). The MA PFML is a state program that provides time off and benefit payments to assist people in Massachusetts with managing their own serious health condition, a serious health condition of a family member, affairs of a family member on active duty, or to bond with a child.
Each situation is different, so it is best to research your potential benefits, as opposed to hearing information from others. For example, your sister may have different time off benefits at her company compared to what is offered at your company. Visit www.mass.gov and familiarize yourself with eligibility, types of leaves and what benefits the Commonwealth offers. You can also share this link with your CEO, or your manager.
Advertisement:
A few suggested first steps:
Talk with your employer at least 30 days prior to your intended leave before you begin the application process. Communication is key to a smooth process.
- Review the MA PFML Employee Toolkit available on mass.gov website
- Create an account online or by phone
Applying for MA PFML will require you to provide some information such as:
- Proof of Identify
- Medical leaves will require a health condition form to be completed by your and your health care provider
- Family Leave will require documentation to bond with your newborn, adopted child or child recently placed in foster care
- Your employer’s identification number (EIN)
In your situation, pay close attention to the medical leave and the family (bonding) leave. If there is someone in your company who manages Human Resources functions, it is important to contact that person to better understand details which apply to you. Your time off benefits, any employer-sponsored short-term disability benefit, your contributions (through payroll deductions) to the PFML state fund, or other factors will have an impact on what benefits you may be available to you.
One of the advantages of notifying your employer in advance is that you and your employer can work on a plan for coverage when you are out of the office. “No one to cover for me” does not affect your leave benefits and does not disqualify you from taking a leave.
Advertisement:
Many confuse PFML with a federal benefit called the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). FMLA leaves are only eligible to employees of companies with fifty or more employees. There are a few other requirements, but it sounds like your employer employs fewer than fifty workers.
Finally, I have assumed that you are in Massachusetts. Over a dozen states offer state family and medical leave benefits. There are variations so research is key.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com