By Catherine Reuben January 26, 2021
As of January 1, employees in Massachusetts have been able to apply to the Department of Family and Medical Leave (DFML) for job-protected time off and wage replacement benefits under the Paid Family and Medical Leave Law (PFMLL). The DFML has been hard at work implementing procedures to process claims and educating the public. The DFML website has had many updates in recent weeks. Here is a handy summary of some new or otherwise noteworthy DFML website postings. Please note that the following summary is based on information posted on the Department’s website as of January 24, 2021 and is subject to change.
Reimbursements (click here)
If an employer provides wage replacement benefits to an employee on PFMLL that are equal to or greater than what the DFML would otherwise have had to pay, the employer may in certain circumstances be eligible for reimbursement. This webpage describes when and how an employer can obtain that reimbursement. Key takeaways include the following:
Intermittent Leave (click here)
This webpage contains important information about intermittent leave that an employer might not glean from the regulations, including the following:
Logistics of Application Process for Employees (click here)
Employers should send their employees to this page for detailed information, instructions, forms, and links to apply for PFMLL benefits.
Logistics of Application Process for Employers
This webpage explains that, in order to review and manage PFMLL applications submitted by its employees, the employer must create an Employer Account. Employers do so by contacting the DFML at (833)344-7364.
This webpage explains that employers with an Employer Account will receive an email letting them know if an employee has submitted an application for PFMLL benefits. The employer then has 10 days to review and respond with information relevant to the application, including:
If the employer does not respond, the DFML will proceed based on the information provided by the employee.
Employers are encouraged to check out the above links and other sections of the DFML website, and to subscribe to the DFML’s email newsletter here.
For Questions / Compliance Assistance
Please contact any member of the HRW PFMLL Team if you have questions about any aspect of PFMLL compliance: