How is the Massachusetts PFML weekly benefit calculated?

Your Average Weekly Wage (AWW) is evaluated against 50% of the Massachusetts State Average Weekly Wage (SAWW, $914.56 for 2026). The portion of your AWW equal to or under $914.56 is replaced at 80%. Any portion of your AWW exceeding $914.56 is replaced at 50%, capped at the 2026 maximum weekly benefit of $1,170.64.

What is the maximum weekly benefit for MA PFML in 2026?

For calendar year 2026, the maximum weekly benefit under the Massachusetts Department of Family and Medical Leave (DFML) is $1,170.64 per week (64% of the statewide SAWW).

What is the difference in weeks between MA Medical Leave and Family Leave?

Under MA PFML, eligible workers can take up to 20 weeks of paid medical leave per benefit year for their own serious medical condition, and up to 12 weeks of paid family leave to bond with a child or care for a family member. Combined total leave cannot exceed 26 weeks in a benefit year.

Massachusetts PFML Benefit Calculator 2026 | MA Paid Family & Medical Leave Estimator

Massachusetts PFML Benefit Calculator

Calculate your 2026 Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (MA PFML) weekly rate. Computes the official 80% tier (up to $914.56), 50% upper tier, 2026 statutory cap, and maximum allowable weeks.

STATUTORY BENCHMARK 2026 Authority: M.G.L. c. 175M & 458 CMR 2.00

Quick Rule & Formula: In 2026, Massachusetts PFML pays 80% of your average weekly earnings up to 50% of the State Average Weekly Wage ($914.56), plus 50% of remaining earnings, capped at an absolute maximum of $1,170.64/week. Benefit duration extends up to 20 weeks for personal medical conditions, 12 weeks for family bonding/caregiving, and 26 weeks for military caregiver leave.

How the Massachusetts DFML 2-Tier Benefit Formula Works

Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (M.G.L. c. 175M) applies a progressive two-tier formula tied directly to the State Average Weekly Wage (SAWW, set at $1,829.13 for 2026).

TIER 1 (80% REPLACEMENT)

Portion $\le$ 50% of SAWW

For 2026, 50% of SAWW is $914.56. The portion of your Average Weekly Wage up to $914.56 is replaced at 80% (yielding up to $731.65 per week).

TIER 2 (50% REPLACEMENT)

Portion $>$ 50% of SAWW

The portion of your AWW that exceeds $914.56 is replaced at 50%, added to Tier 1, up to the statutory cap of $1,170.64 (64% of SAWW).

Duration Limits & Job Protection under MA PFML

MEDICAL LEAVE

Up to 20 Weeks

For an employee's own serious health condition, including physical or mental illness, injury, or pregnancy complications.

FAMILY LEAVE

Up to 12 Weeks

To bond with a child during the first 12 months, care for a family member with a serious illness, or military exigency.

COMBINED CEILING

Max 26 Weeks / Year

An employee eligible for both medical and family leave cannot exceed 26 total combined weeks in a single benefit year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Massachusetts allow employees to top off PFML with PTO?

Yes. Under recent Massachusetts amendments, employees may supplement (top off) their PFML benefits with accrued paid vacation, sick time, or personal time off up to 100% of their regular average weekly wage.

Are Massachusetts PFML benefits taxable?

Family leave benefits are subject to federal income tax (1099-G). Medical leave benefits for your own illness are generally not taxable if employee-funded, but may have partial liability if employer-subsidized.