By Samantha Halem, Catherine Reuben, Alicia Ward November 13, 2025
As 2025 draws to a close, Massachusetts employers should begin preparing for upcoming changes under the Commonwealth’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program. The Massachusetts Department of Family and Medical Leave (DFML) has released the 2026 PFML mandatory workplace poster and rate sheets, which outline contribution rates (no changes from 2025), benefit amounts, and wage benchmarks for the new year. Employers should review these materials promptly to ensure continued compliance.
2) Rate Sheets
These publications follow the DFML’s recent announcement detailing key 2026 updates, including increases to the maximum weekly benefit amount and the state average weekly wage:
1) 2026 Maximum Weekly Benefit Amount: $1,230.39—an increase of $59.75.
2) 2026 State Average Weekly Wage: $1,922.48—an increase of $93.35.
Employer Action Items:
1) Download and Display the Updated Poster: Employers must download the 2026 PFML poster from the DFML website and display it prominently in the workplace. For remote and off-site employees, ensure the poster is made accessible digitally (e.g., via intranet or email). Reminder: Employers that fail to comply with these posting and notification requirements may face fines of up to $300 per covered individual.
2) Notify Employees of PFML Updates: Employers are required to inform all covered individuals about changes to the Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, including updated contribution rates and benefit amounts for 2026. Notification requirements differ slightly for current employees and new hires:
a. Current Employees: Employers should communicate the 2026 PFML updates to all current covered employees as part of their annual notification process. For individuals who have already acknowledged PFML coverage in prior years, employers must provide notice of the new contribution rate at least 30 days prior to the rate change. This notice may be delivered electronically (e.g., via email or intranet) and does not require a new signed acknowledgment form, provided the employer can document delivery of the notice.
b. New Hires: For newly hired covered individuals, employers must provide PFML contribution rate information within 30 days of hire. Each new employee should return a signed acknowledgment form, or the employer must be able to demonstrate reasonable efforts to distribute and communicate the required information.
Employers are encouraged to review their internal policies and payroll systems to ensure alignment with the updated PFML requirements before the start of the 2026 contribution year.
If you have any questions about PFML, please feel free to contact:
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