Estimate your paid family leave benefit amount based on qualifying wages, state benefit rate, and duration. Calculate weekly and total benefits for bonding or caregiving.
Paid Family Leave (PFL) programs provide partial wage replacement when you take time off to bond with a new child, care for a seriously ill family member, or assist with military deployment needs. Unlike unpaid FMLA, PFL puts money in your pocket while you're away from work.
Benefit amounts vary by state and are typically calculated as a percentage of your average weekly wage, up to a cap. This calculator estimates your weekly benefit and total benefit based on your qualifying wages, the state's benefit rate, and the number of weeks you plan to take.
Whether you're planning for a new baby, caring for an aging parent, or helping a military family member, this tool helps you set realistic financial expectations for your leave period. Whether you are a beginner or experienced professional, this free online tool provides instant, reliable results without manual computation. By automating the calculation, you save time and reduce the risk of costly errors in your planning and decision-making process.
Without knowing your benefit amount in advance, you can't budget effectively for a period of reduced income. This calculator bridges the gap between your regular paycheck and actual PFL benefits, so you can plan savings, adjust expenses, or coordinate with supplemental employer benefits. Having a precise figure at your fingertips empowers better planning and more confident decisions.
Weekly Benefit = Min(Average Weekly Wage × Benefit Rate, Weekly Cap) Total Benefit = Weekly Benefit × Weeks of Leave Income Gap = Regular Weekly Pay − Weekly Benefit
Result: $804.00/week, $9,648.00 total
$1,200 × 67% = $804.00. This is under the $1,151 weekly cap, so the full $804.00 applies. Over 12 weeks: $804.00 × 12 = $9,648.00 total benefit. The weekly income gap is $1,200 − $804 = $396.
Paid Family Leave programs differ dramatically between states. California's program offers 60–70% wage replacement for up to 8 weeks. New York provides 67% for up to 12 weeks. Washington offers up to 90% for low earners and up to 12 weeks for family leave (plus 12 for medical). Always check your state's current program details.
Many employers offer paid parental leave or short-term disability that can supplement PFL benefits. Some require you to exhaust PFL before employer benefits kick in; others allow concurrent use. Coordinate all available benefits to maximize your total income during leave.
Before your leave starts, build a budget based on your expected PFL benefit amount. Account for reduced income, continued benefit premiums, and any additional expenses related to your leave reason. Having a financial cushion equal to 2–4 weeks of the income gap provides a safety net for delayed benefit payments.
As of 2024, California, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Oregon, Colorado, Maryland, Delaware, and Minnesota (effective 2026) have enacted paid family leave programs. Each state has unique eligibility, duration, and benefit structures.
States use different base periods, typically the highest-earning quarter from the last 5–8 quarters before your claim. Divide that quarter's earnings by 13 to approximate the average weekly wage.
PFL benefits are subject to federal income tax. State income tax treatment varies — some states exempt their own PFL benefits from state tax. No FICA taxes apply since PFL is an insurance benefit, not earned wages.
Yes, and employers often run them concurrently. FMLA provides job protection while PFL provides wage replacement. Running them simultaneously means the time counts against both entitlements.
Some states allow self-employed individuals to opt into the PFL program by paying premiums. Coverage and eligibility rules for the self-employed vary by state.
Rates range from about 55% to 90% of average weekly wages, depending on the state and income level. Many states use a progressive formula that replaces a higher percentage of lower wages and a lower percentage of higher wages.