Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (Paid Leave or PFML) provides paid time off for eligible workers who need leave for their own serious health condition, to care for a qualifying family member, to welcome a new child, or for certain military-related events. It is separate from the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which provides unpaid leave.
- My client lost access to Medicaid because of HR1 immigration eligibility changes. Does that qualify me for Paid Leave?
Possibly, depending on why you need leave. If your client is a qualifying family member who still needs care for a serious health condition, you may qualify for family leave to care for them, even if your paid caregiving assignment has ended. However, you must also meet the program’s other eligibility requirements.
- For how long do I need to have worked in Washington state to be able to qualify?
You would need to have worked in Washington state for the last 18 months.
- Can I qualify if I am no longer working?
Yes, potentially. You do not need to be currently employed to receive Paid Leave. You still must have worked enough qualifying hours and have an eligible reason for leave.
- How many hours do I need? Can hours from different jobs count?
You must have worked at least 820 hours in the 12 months of your qualifying period. Your qualifying period usually starts 15 months prior to the day you applied for leave or your leave start date, whichever is earlier. Qualifying periods always start on the first day of a calendar quarter.
- Q1 (First Quarter): January 1
- Q2 (Second Quarter): April 1
- Q3 (Third Quarter): July 1
- Q4 (Fourth Quarter): October 1
Example: Working 122 hours per month for seven months totals 854 hours (122 * 7). That exceeds the 820-hour requirement if all those hours are qualifying Washington work hours within the applicable qualifying period.
- What reasons for leave may qualify me?
You may qualify if you need leave to:
- Recover from or receive treatment for your own serious health condition that prevents you from working.
- Care for a qualifying family member with a serious health condition.
- Receive pregnancy-related care or recover from childbirth.
- Bond with a child after birth, adoption or foster placement.
- Address certain events related to a family member’s military deployment.
- What constitutes a “serious health condition”?
The website describes it as “An illness, injury, or physical or mental health condition that keeps you from working. Examples of serious health conditions include major surgeries, illnesses like cancer and inpatient treatment for substance abuse are examples of serious health conditions.”
- How long can I receive Paid Leave to care for a family member?
- You may receive up to 12 weeks of family leave during your claim year. The actual amount depends on the time medically necessary to care for your family member, supported by their health care provider’s certification. The full 12 weeks is not automatic.
- You can take approved leave all at once or intermittently, within your approved dates and available leave hours.
- Your claim year lasts 52 weeks, beginning on the Sunday of the week you applied or your leave started, whichever is earlier.
- How much money will I receive?
You may receive up to 90% of your weekly pay, with a maximum of $1,647 per week in 2026. Your amount depends on your earnings; not everyone receives 90% or the maximum. Use the benefit calculator on the How Paid Leave works page to estimate your weekly payment. For family leave to care for someone with a serious health condition, the required waiting week is unpaid.
- How do I apply if I have a qualifying reason?
Apply through paidleave.wa.gov/apply-now within 30 days after your qualifying event. You will need proof of identity and documentation supporting your leave. For medical leave or family leave to care for someone with a serious health condition, this can be a completed medical certification, an FMLA form, or a doctor’s note containing the required information. After approval, file weekly claims to receive payment.
- What does it mean that family leave to care for someone with a serious health condition has a waiting week that is unpaid?
It means you won’t receive Paid Leave money for the first approved week you claim when taking leave to care for a family member with a serious health condition. You still must submit a weekly claim for that week. Eligible weeks after that can be paid. This is separate from the application processing time. If your application takes several weeks to approve, those weeks aren’t all unpaid waiting weeks, you can claim eligible past weeks after approval, except for the required unpaid waiting week
- Can I receive Paid Leave and unemployment benefits for the same week?
No. You cannot receive both for the same week. You must choose which program to use and accurately report unemployment benefits on your Paid Leave weekly claim, including an unemployment waiting week.
- How long does it take to process my application?
As of October 8, 2026, the website lists an application processing time of 3–4 weeks. Incomplete or complex applications can take longer. Check the processing-time page for the latest estimate. This is the application review timeframe, not a guaranteed date for your first payment.
Missing medical certification, identity documents, or work hours and wages from current or former employers can delay review. Make sure your application is complete and answer or promptly return calls from Paid Leave.
- What do I need to do after my application is approved?
Start filing weekly claims. If you applied online, file through your Paid Leave account. If you applied on paper, call the Customer Care Team at 833-717-2273.
- How soon will I receive money after filing a weekly claim?
The website says submitted weekly claims must be processed within 14 days. Once a weekly claim is approved for payment, allow 3–5 business days for bank processing. You can check your weekly claim’s status in your online account.
- Where can I get help?
Call Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave at 833-717-2273, or send a secure message through your Paid Leave benefit account. Explain that your home care client is no longer receiving paid care, your current employment situation, and the family or medical reason you need leave.