Washington is the fifth state in the nation to enact a paid family and medical leave benefits program in the form of partial wage replacement to workers. Paid Family and Medical Leave is a mandatory statewide insurance program funded by premiums paid by employees and employers and will be administered by the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD).
Beginning in 2020, employees will be able to use this new benefit, which generally allows up to 12 weeks of paid leave per year when they welcome a new child into their family, are struck by a serious illness or injury, need to take care of a seriously ill family member, or face certain military-connected events. In order to fund this new benefit, both the University and employees will contribute to premiums beginning in 2019.
