Types of State Benefit Programs
Statutory Disability
Provides an income-replacement benefit due to an off-the-job disabling injury or illness.
States with a disability program include:
- California
- Hawaii
- New Jersey
- New York
- Rhode Island
Paid Family Leave
Provides paid leave for an employee to care for others.
This is typically offered in states with existing statutory disability. The PFL program tends to complement the statutory disability benefits.
Paid Family and Medical Leave
Provides paid leave for an employee’s own medical condition and to care for others.
This is typically offered in states without statutory disability. The PFML program solves for both own medical and family-related leave needs.
How Are PFML Benefits Different From Disability Benefits?
In some situations, a disabled worker may qualify for more than one benefit. However, the durations and amounts of each benefit can vary.
| Benefit | Who's Covered? | Who Pays? | How Long? | How Much? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFL and PFML | Most employees working in the state — often including seasonal, full-time, part-time and temporary workers | Employer- or employee-paid — often sharing the cost | Depends on state or leave reason: benefit waiting period — zero or seven days and variable leave durations | Benefit percentage of earnings up to maximum In some states, percentage varies based on income; lower earners may receive higher income replacement |
| Statutory Disability | Most employees working in the state — often including seasonal, full-time, part-time and temporary workers | Primarily employee-paid — some states require employer contribution | Varies based on state governance | Benefit percentage of earnings up to maximum |
| Short Term Disability | Typically benefit-eligible, full-time employees | Employer- or employee-paid (Generally, employers offer short term disability coverage as a benefit) | Duration varies based on plan design — typically shorter than six months; benefit waiting period typically seven days | Benefit percentage based on plan design — typically 40% – 60% of regular wages |
What PFML Generally Covers
Keep in mind that each state has separate laws. For details on what a specific state covers, view the PFML map.
Family Leave
This includes leave needed to bond with a newborn, foster or adoptive child. It also includes leave to care for a family member with a serious health condition.
Medical Leave
This covers leave needed to care for an employee’s own serious health condition.
Safe Leave
This covers leave needed for reasons resulting from domestic violence or sexual violence.
Military Exigency or Active Duty
This covers leave due to a family member who has been called to service in the military, or to care for a family member who is ill or injured due to military service.
PFML 101
Learn more about PFML basics.
Why are so many states introducing PFML today? It helps to understand the origins, starting with FMLA.
View examples of how FMLA, PFML and STD work together to protect employees during various leaves.