As a reminder, the state of Washington enacted a Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) law in 2017. The PFML law provides up to 12 weeks of medical or family leave for one’s own illness, baby bonding, to care for a family member, or military exigency. For a summary, see our prior Benefit Beat article here.

Effective January 1, 2022, the premium rate for PFML will increase to 0.6% (from 0.4% in 2021) of each employee’s gross wages up to the Social Security cap of $147,000 for 2022 ($142,800 for 2021).

Employers with 50 or more employees working in the state of Washington will pay 26.78% of the 0.6% premium and employees will pay 73.22%.

The PFML benefit amount is based on the employee’s income. Employees can receive up to 90% of their weekly pay to a maximum of $1,327 for leaves beginning on or after January 1, 2022 ($1,206 in 2021).

Employers are responsible for notifying employees of the PFML program by posting a notice in a place customarily used to post other employment-related notices or by sending the notice to employees. To date, an updated notice has not been prepared by the Employment Security Department.

The information contained in this Benefit Beat is not intended to be legal, accounting, or other professional advice, nor are these comments directed to specific situations. This information is provided as general guidance and may be affected by changes in law or regulation. This information is not intended to replace or substitute for accounting or other professional advice. You must consult your own attorney or tax advisor for assistance in specific situations. This information is provided as-is, with no warranties of any kind. CBIZ shall not be liable for any damages whatsoever in connection with its use and assumes no obligation to inform the reader of any changes in laws or other factors that could affect the information contained herein.