THE PAID LEAVE OREGON PROGRAM IS LIVE!
Beginning September 3, 2023, benefits through the Paid Leave Oregon program launched, providing family and medical leave benefits to eligible workers.
Employers with less than 25 employees are not required to pay the employer portion of the Paid Leave Oregon premium; see here for additional information on how Paid Leave Oregon impacts small employers.
For additional resources, visit the official State of Oregon “Paid Leave Oregon” website.
Paid Leave Oregon Recorded Webinars
Sign up to gain access to our recorded webinars, slide decks and other Paid Leave Oregon resources.
Important Dates
- Benefits began 9/3/23
- Quarterly reporting and premiums due the last day of the month following the end of each quarter
Covered Employers
- OR public & private employees
- Self-employed & tribal government employees can opt in
Covered Employees
- Have earned at least $1,000 in wages during the qualifying period
- Have contributed to PFMLI
Benefit Duration
- 12 weeks; additional 2 weeks for pregnancy or childbirth complications
- Total Paid Leave Oregon & OFLA capped at 18 weeks
Who Pays?
- Paid Leave Oregon expenses can be shared between employers & employees
Benefits
- Employees may use sick time, vacation, or other earned paid leave to supplement Paid Leave Oregon
- Wages can be replaced up to 100% of their AWW on a sliding scale
THE PERKS OF AN EQUIVALENT PLAN
An equivalent plan is a plan with provisions equal to or greater than the state program, but with the potential for added perks like cost savings on premiums, better customer care and employee experience, faster claims processing times, increased protection from fraud, and improved integration with existing absence services.
If you’re looking to improve the paid leave experience for you and your employees, we’re here to help you make an informed decision.
KNOW YOUR OPTIONS: IS YOUR ORGANIZATION A FIT FOR AN EQUIVALENT PLAN?
IMPORTANT DATES
- Benefits began 9/3/23.
- Quarterly reporting and premiums due the last day of the month following the end of each quarter.
- For equivalent plans that went live 9/3/23, applications for reapproval are due at least 30 days prior to anniversary date.
- Annual reporting for equivalent plans is due on or before the last day of the month that follows the close of the calendar year or along with the application for reapproval.
EMPLOYERS COVERED BY PAID LEAVE OREGON
All public and private employers with at least one eligible employee (EE) in Oregon are covered. Those employers who are self-employed, or tribal government employers are not covered, but can opt in to Paid Leave Oregon.
EMPLOYEES COVERED BY PAID LEAVE OREGON
Employees are covered by Paid Leave Oregon if they contributed to the fund and earned at least $1000 in wages during the qualifying period.
- Have contributed to the PFMLI Fund;
- Have earned at least $1,000 in wages during the qualifying period;
- Have current Oregon employment or self-employment from which they are expected to be available to work but are taking leave from work.
PAID LEAVE OREGON BENEFIT DURATION
Employees receive 12 weeks of paid benefits under Paid Leave Oregon. Those who are pregnant or experienced complications during childbirth receive an additional two weeks. An employee’s total paid (Paid Leave Oregon) and unpaid leave (OFLA) is capped at 18 weeks.
WHO PAYS FOR PAID LEAVE OREGON?
Expenses can be shared between employers and employees, with some exceptions.
- The current premium is 1% of wages, capped at the annual Social Security maximum; employee contributions cannot exceed 60% of the total rate.
- Employers with 25 or more employees are responsible for at least 40% of the premium and can elect to pay some (or all) of the employee portion of the premium.
PAID LEAVE OREGON BENEFITS
In addition to receiving family and medical leave insurance benefits, the Paid Leave Oregon program allows employees to use paid sick, vacation, and any other earned paid leave to replace wages:
- Those with an average weekly wage (AWW) of up to 65% of Oregon’s AWW will receive a 100% benefit.
- Those with an AWW that exceeds 65% of Oregon’s AWW will receive 100% of their wages up to 65% of the state’s AWW, plus 50% of wages that are over this threshold.
- The weekly maximum Paid Leave Oregon benefit is capped at 100% of an employee’s AWW.
Get the latest Paid Leave Oregon updates as they’re released:
The information on this page is valid as of November 7, 2023. This is our best effort at understanding Paid Leave Oregon based on the regulations and rules that have been published. Our interpretation is subject to change as more information becomes available.
The information contained herein does not constitute legal advice or a legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances. The contents are intended for general information purposes only, and you are urged to consult a lawyer concerning your own situation and any specific legal questions you may have.
Advisory services offered through TPG Financial Advisors, LLC, an SEC-Registered Investment Advisor and a wholly owned subsidiary of The Partners Group, LTD.