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Utilities / US State Leave / Washington State PFML
WA ESD 2026 Standard: 90% + 50% Progressive Formula (Max $1,647/wk)

Washington PFML Benefit Calculator

Estimate your 2026 Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave (WA Paid Leave) weekly payment. Computes the 90% lower tier, 50% upper tier, 2026 SAWW threshold, and maximum-duration illustrations.

2026 RATE REFERENCE Authority: RCW 50A.15.020 & WA ESD Guidelines

Quick Rule & Formula: Under Washington State RCW 50A, weekly benefits replace 90% of wages up to 50% of the State Average Weekly Wage, plus 50% of wages above that threshold, up to the 2026 maximum cap of $1,647/week. The minimum is $100 per week, or your weekly wage if lower; amounts are rounded down to whole dollars. Qualifying requires at least 820 hours worked in Washington during your qualifying period. Standard leave lasts up to 12 weeks (or up to 16–18 weeks for combined medical/pregnancy complications).

2026 applications and leave starts · Reviewed 2026-09-12 · Full-week gross estimate

Up to 12 Weeks

Combined earnings in your 2 highest base quarters

$
Average Weekly Wage (AWW): $1,615.38
Min 820 Hours

Total hours in your qualifying period (standard or alternate)

820-hour test met; other eligibility not assessed
TIER 1 (90% REPLACEMENT)
Up to 50% of SAWW
90% of earnings up to $915.00/wk
Tier 1 Benefit: $0.00
TIER 2 (50% REPLACEMENT)
Excess over 50% SAWW
50% of (AWW - $915.00)
Tier 2 Benefit: $0.00
ESTIMATED WEEKLY RATE
Total Weekly Payout
Capped at 2026 max: $1,647.00
Weekly Total: $0.00
2026 Estimated WA Paid Leave Benefit ELIGIBILITY NOT ASSESSED
$0.00/ week
Duration: 12 Weeks Max • Weekly-rate illustration; waiting days and other reductions excluded

Understanding Washington's Progressive Benefit Formula

Unlike states with a flat wage replacement rate (e.g. California's 60-70% or New Jersey's 85%), Washington's Employment Security Department (ESD) uses a progressive two-tier structure designed to replace up to 90% of lower-income wages while phasing down for higher earners.

TIER 1 (LOWER TIER: 90%)
Earnings $\le$ 50% of SAWW
For 2026, 50% of the State Average Weekly Wage is $915.00. The portion of your Average Weekly Wage at or below $915.00 is replaced at 90% (max Tier 1 benefit is $823.50).
TIER 2 (UPPER TIER: 50%)
Earnings $>$ 50% of SAWW
Any portion of your Average Weekly Wage that exceeds $915.00 is replaced at 50%, added directly to your Tier 1 payment until the statutory cap of $1,647.00 is reached.

Washington PFML Duration & Hours Eligibility

820 QUALIFYING HOURS
Across All Employers
You must log at least 820 hours in WA in your qualifying base period. Hours across multiple part-time, seasonal, or full-time jobs are combined.
STANDARD VS COMBINED
12 to 18 Weeks
12 weeks for single medical or family event. 14 weeks if incapacitated by pregnancy. Up to 16-18 weeks if taking both medical and bonding leave in the same claim year.
TAX REPORTING (1099-G)
IRS Treatment
Washington state does not have personal income tax. However, family leave benefits (bonding and caregiving) are subject to federal income tax.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Average Weekly Wage (AWW) calculated in Washington?

ESD identifies your two highest-earning quarters in the base year, sums them up, and divides the total by 26 weeks. This average is then fed into the 90% / 50% progressive tiers.

Can I take WA Paid Leave intermittently?

Yes. Paid Leave can be taken intermittently. Check the current state guidance for the minimum claim duration and how partial weeks change your payment. This estimator assumes full weeks.

How much does Washington Paid Leave pay per week?

Examples for 2026 with steady year-round wages and at least 820 qualifying hours, so the two highest quarters equal half of annual wages. Gross estimates from the calculator above; eligibility is not assessed.

Annual wagesTwo highest quartersWeekly benefit
$30,000$15,000$518
$45,000$22,500$778
$60,000$30,000$942
$80,000$40,000$1,135
$100,000$50,000$1,327
$150,000$75,000$1,647

Sources and scope

For applications received in 2026 with leave starting January 1–December 31, 2026, matching the state calculator. Whole-dollar rounding and the $100 minimum (or your weekly wage if lower) are included. Passing the 820-hour test alone does not establish eligibility. Full-week gross amounts exclude taxes, prior leave, partial-week adjustments and waiting-period reductions. The rate multiplied by maximum weeks is an illustration, not a payable award.

Reviewed September 12, 2026. WA official calculation guidance · RCW 50A.15.020

Enter non-negative amounts. Blank, negative and invalid values count as zero.

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