Most businesses with 10 or more employees are required to participate. As a business owner and employer, you’ll have some initial and ongoing responsibilities. Below, you’ll find links to all the documents, forms, and information you’ll need for your role as an employer in Delaware Paid Leave.
This program helps to ensure Delaware workers have financial support if they need to take a leave of absence from their job due to a serious life event. It’s a win-win for employees who need support and for employers who want to attract and retain top-quality personnel. Most businesses with 10 or more employees are required to participate. Get to know the guidelines now so that you’re ready to fulfill the requirements later, when Delaware Paid Leave goes into full effect on Jan. 1, 2026.
Am I required to participate?
The following employers are exempt from the program:
Have questions? Join us for virtual office hours.
Office hours are on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Book your time slot for a one-on-one Zoom video meeting with the director of Delaware Paid Leave. You can also email general questions to PFML@Delaware.gov.
Delaware LaborFirst is a user-friendly system for managing Delaware Paid Leave.
Create a new account or login now.
Delaware LaborFirst Employer Registration Checklist
Know what to have on hand when registering for Delaware LaborFirst.
Learn more about Delaware LaborFirst.
Private Insurance
There are several private insurance companies currently approved to offer this coverage in Delaware. To submit claims or for questions about your private plan, please visit the website for your insurance company or contact your plan’s representative.
Self-Insured Plans
Information and resources for employers who are opting out of Delaware Paid Leave in favor of self-insuring.
A comprehensive guide to Delaware Paid Leave, specifically for employers and TPAs.
The following employers are exempt from the program:
Use this tool to estimate weekly contributions and benefits for each employee, based on annual wages, the types of leave selected, and how much the employer requires the employee to contribute. All numbers are estimates.
Jan. 1, 2025 — For employers participating in Delaware Paid Leave, payroll deductions begin, if employees are contributing to the cost of the plan.
April 30, 2025 — Target date for the first quarterly Hours & Wage Report.
July 30, 2025 — Target date for the first and second quarterly Contributions submission.
Jan. 1, 2026 — Employees can begin to submit claim applications.
Use these links to learn about the program and its requirements.
General
Signed into law on May 10, 2022, this Act created the Delaware Paid Leave insurance program that requires employers in the state to provide their employees with Paid Family Medical Leave.
These regulations explain and clarify the provisions of the Healthy Delaware Families Act. Additional regulations are forthcoming on issues that remain to be further detailed.
If you disagree with a decision regarding your private plan application, you can use this form to file an appeal.
Visit this page and fill out the form to file a complaint.
Notices
Provide this to your employees when coverage begins.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions for employers choosing to use private insurance to provide paid leave benefits.
Frequently asked questions for small businesses that are not required to provide paid leave but may choose to do so voluntarily
Delaware LaborFirst
List of all the information you should have on hand when registering with Delaware LaborFirst.
Special instructions for officers and owners of publicly traded companies to register with Delaware LaborFirst.
Portal Instructions
In order to prevent identity theft and fraud, residents who wish to access certain services and benefits are required to prove their identities. These instructions will walk you through that process.
Watch a past public forum or listen to a podcast to learn more.
Webinar (July 31, 2024)
Forum (Oct. 4, 2023)
PFML Podcast
If you have a question about Delaware Paid Leave, or would like to schedule a presentation for your business, email PFML@delaware.gov.
