Delaware Department of Labor
Announcement: The Division of Paid Leave is not charging penalties or interest on any 2025 quarterly PFML Hours & Wage submissions and contribution payments as long as they are submitted by March 31, 2026 (60 days after the normal due date for Q4 payments).
Delaware Paid Leave is here
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.
Contributions towards Delaware Paid Leave began January 1, 2025. Paid Leave goes into full effect when employees are able to submit claims applications on January 1, 2026.
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.
Employees, get a more in-depth look at Delaware Paid Leave
Join our Nov. 12 webinar to learn more.
Watch to learn more about how Delaware Paid Leave works.
Information for Delaware Paid Leave users.
Depending on your role, your requirements will vary. Choose below to get information specifically for you.
Delaware Paid Leave FAQ
Have questions? The below fact sheets answer many questions about Delaware Paid Leave.
Benefits Contribution Calculator
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.
Here’s what you need to know:
How Does Delaware Paid Leave Work?
Delaware Paid Leave offers paid leave to employees who have been employed for at least one year and have worked at least 1,250 hours with a single employer. If leave is approved, an employee will get up to 80% of their wages (up to $900 per week) to cover the following:
- Care for a new child (up to 12 weeks per year).
- Care for a family member with a serious health condition (up to six weeks every 24 months).
- Address a personal serious health condition or injury (up to six weeks every 24 months).
- Assist while a loved one is on an overseas military deployment (up to six weeks every 24 months).
Employees are limited to a maximum of 12 weeks of combined leave per year.
The program will be funded by less than 1% of an employee’s weekly salary. Employers can require employees to contribute up to half the cost.
What Businesses Must Comply?
Participating in Delaware Paid Leave is mandatory for most businesses with 10 or more employees working in Delaware.
| Employer Type | Leave Requirements |
|---|---|
| Nine or fewer employees | Exempt |
| 10 to 24 employees | Parental Leave Only |
| 25 or more employees | Full Coverage |
| Federal government employees | Exempt |
| Seasonal operations that shut down for a month or more | Exempt |
Delaware LaborFirst
Learn about Delaware LaborFirst, the administrative system for Delaware Paid Leave.
Key Dates
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.
Resources
Use these links to learn about the program and its requirements.
Healthy Delaware Families Act
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.
Regulations for Delaware Paid 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.
Watch a past public forum or listen to a podcast to learn more.
Webinar (July 31, 2024)
Forum (Oct. 4, 2023)
PFML Podcast
Sign Up for Emails to Stay Informed
If you have a question about Delaware Paid Leave, or would like to schedule a presentation for your business, email PFML@delaware.gov or call 302-761-8375.