BookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxFilledCheckBoxCircleBumpCheckedFilledMedical

These States Have the Best Paid Family Leave Policies, Report Says

Despite the established benefits for babies, parents and the economy, just 13 states have passed paid family leave policies. See which states are leading family first here.
save article
profile picture of Wyndi Kappes
By Wyndi Kappes, Associate Editor
Updated July 11, 2023
parents cuddling newborn baby at home
Image: patyakastocks82 | Shutterstock

Whether you are recovering from delivery, dealing with postpartum depression or bonding with baby, paid family leave can be a true game-changer for parents. Studies show that having the time, support, and financial stability to handle those first few months after baby’s arrival could save nearly 1,000 babies’ lives each year and often means the difference between going into debt or saving up for baby’s education and flourishing upon your return to work or struggling to keep your head above water.

Despite the manifold benefits of paid family leave, the US doesn’t have a federal paid parental leave policy in place. Currently, only 13 states and Washington D.C. have passed laws that require companies to have some form of paid family leave.

Of these 13 states, the amount of money provided and weeks off can vary greatly. To get a better idea of what states offer the best paid family leave, Annuity.org, a financial consulting organization, compared state laws, weekly maximum wages, paid weeks off and other important metrics. Here’s what they found.

The Top 10 Best States for Paid Family Leave

  1. Oregon
  2. Washington
  3. New York
  4. New Hampshire
  5. California
  6. Colorado
  7. District of Columbia
  8. Delaware
  9. Massachusetts
  10. Rhode Island

So why did these states snag the top ten spots? A further look into the report shows that Oregon, the number one state, has one of the newest paid family leave policies in the country. The mandatory policy went into effect in January 2023 and offers 12 weeks of paid leave, earning 100 percent of an individual’s average weekly wage (AWW) up to 65 percent of the state’s average weekly wage (SAWW) of $1,224.82. After that, individuals earn 50 percent of their AWW for income over 65 percent the SAWW ($796.13) up to a maximum $1,446 weekly benefit.

In second place, Washington workers receive similar benefits to Oregon, including mandatory employer participation and up to 12 weeks of paid time off, but income benefits are slightly reduced, with a maximum weekly benefit of $1,327. Washington state law also excludes job protections, though most workers are eligible for federal protections and unpaid time off through the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Rounding out the top three, New York provides similar benefits to Oregon, offering up to 12 weeks of paid time off and job protections, albeit with slightly lower weekly pay. In New York, workers may receive 67 percent of their average weekly wage, capped at a maximum benefit of $1,068.36 per week.

It’s no secret that a lot more needs to be done to help ease the burden on working parents, but for some states, this is a start. To view the full report, visit Annuity.org.

save article
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

mom holding newborn baby at home
Postpartum Depression Rates Drop After Hong Kong Extends Maternity Leave
By Wyndi Kappes
grandpa coloring with granddaughter at home
Grandparents Can Now Get Paid to Take Care of Grandkids in Sweden
By Wyndi Kappes
baby holding australia flag
Australia Extends Paid Parental Leave to 6 Months
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
mother smiling while holding baby on a sunny day outside
Maine Joins 13 States in Offering Paid Family and Medical Leave
By Wyndi Kappes
mother and father holding newborn baby
Paid Parental Leave Could Save Nearly 1,000 Babies’ Lives, Study Says
By Wyndi Kappes
mother cuddling and kissing baby
How to Emotionally Prepare to Go Back to Work After Parental Leave
By Marygrace Taylor
Two parents holding newborn's feet
Why Companies Are Cutting Paid Parental Leave Policies Post Pandemic
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
mother working on computer at desk while holding baby in arms
74% of Women Would Have to Drain Their Savings to Take Unpaid Maternity Leave
By Wyndi Kappes
premature baby feet in nicu at hospital
This New Mom's Viral TikTok Shows Importance of Paid Parental Leave
By Nehal Aggarwal
mother and father snuggling in bed with their newborn baby
One Mom Shares Why Paid Parental Leave Is So Important
By Ericka Sóuter
ADVERTISEMENT
Maternity Leave 101: What to Know Before Baby Arrives
Maternity Leave 101: What to Know Before Baby Arrives
By Ashley Zielger
Meghan Markle speaks at global citizen
Meghan Markle Wrote an Open Letter to Congress About Paid Family Leave
By Nehal Aggarwal
new dad with wife holding newborn baby at home on their bed
Paternity Leave 101: What to Know About Taking Time Off
By Maggie Overfelt
ADVERTISEMENT
dad holding and bonding with his newborn baby daughter in bed
Relationships Can Really Benefit From Paternity Leave, Study Says
By Nehal Aggarwal
swedish dad on paternity leave, with baby playing with balloons
Photo Series of Swedish Dads Captures the Beauty of Paternity Leave
By Laurie Ulster
chance the rapper with his daughter and wife
Chance the Rapper Delays Tour to Support His Wife After Birth
By Laurie Ulster
good morning america host, hoda kotb
Hoda Kotb Tears Up as She Shares Moments From Her Maternity Leave
By Laurie Ulster
ADVERTISEMENT
alex ohanian holding toddler daughter
Serena Williams’ Husband Pens Powerful Letter on Why Paternity Leave Matters
By Stephanie Grassullo
dad cuddling with new baby
The Number of Men Who Take Paternity Leave in the UK Has Fallen for the Fourth Year in a Row
By Stephanie Grassullo
happy baby sitting in mom's lap
Oregon Passes the Most Generous Paid Family Leave Law in the US
By Stephanie Grassullo
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.