How to use the paid parental leave calculator
There is no federal paid parental leave program in the United States. Federal law provides job protection rather than income, so the money side of parental leave comes from a state program, an employer benefit, or both. This calculator works from the state paid family leave model because that is where most paid weeks come from.
The federal baseline is the Family and Medical Leave Act, 29 U.S.C. section 2612, which gives an eligible employee up to 12 workweeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12-month period for the birth or placement of a child. Eligibility generally requires 12 months and 1,250 hours of service with an employer that has 50 or more employees within 75 miles. Paid benefits come from state paid family leave laws in states such as California, New York, New Jersey, Washington, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Oregon, Colorado and Maryland, where replacement rates typically run from about 60 to 90 percent of average weekly wages subject to a weekly cap. Many states have no paid program at all.
Figures reflect September 2026. Every state resets its replacement rate, weekly maximum and duration on its own schedule, so check your state paid family leave agency before relying on a number.
This calculator is for reference only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed employment attorney or your state leave agency about your specific situation.
Frequently asked questions
No. The Family and Medical Leave Act at 29 U.S.C. section 2612 provides up to 12 workweeks of job-protected leave, but that leave is unpaid. Paid family leave exists only through state programs and voluntary employer benefits.
California, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Washington, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Oregon, Colorado, Maryland, Delaware, Minnesota and the District of Columbia have enacted programs, with different replacement rates, weekly caps and durations. Many states have none at all.
Generally you must have worked at least 12 months and 1,250 hours for an employer that has 50 or more employees within 75 miles of your worksite. State paid leave programs often use different and broader eligibility tests.