What happened?

Massachusetts has recently updated its Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) posters and notices for 2025.

Overview:

Updated included:

• Updated Rate Sheets: Issued on November 13, 2024, reflecting 2025 PFML contribution rates. Rates remain at 0.88% for employers with 25+ employees and 0.46% for those with fewer. Employers must complete and distribute these sheets to all employees.

• Updated Poster: Must be displayed in workplaces, showing the new maximum weekly benefit of $1,170.64 for 2025.

• Updated Notices for New Employees: Must be provided within 30 days of hire, including the new benefit amount and guidelines for using accrued paid leave to top off PFML benefits.

• Enforcement: DFML will continue audits to ensure compliance, with penalties for non-compliance starting at $50 per employee for the first violation.

Additional Information:

• Workplace Poster: All Massachusetts employers must display a DFML-approved poster explaining PFML benefits in a visible location. The poster is available in English and 12 other languages.

• Written Notices: Employers must provide written notices about PFML benefits, contribution rates, and other provisions to new employees within 30 days of hire. These notices should include an acknowledgment form for employees to sign.

• Language Requirements: Posters and notices must be available in English and any other language that is the primary language of five or more employees. DFML provides translations in multiple languages, but employers are responsible for providing translations for any language not covered by DFML.

• Coverage Criteria: Updated criteria for whether 1099-MISC employees are covered under PFML. Employers should review these criteria to ensure compliance and inform any affected employees.

Source References

• MA – Informing your workforce about Paid Family and Medical Leave
• MA – PFML workplace poster, notices, and rate sheets for Massachusetts employers

Resources

• MA PFML Mandatory Workplace Poster
• MA Employer Notice for a workforce with 25 or more covered individuals
• MA Employer Notice for a workforce with fewer than 25 covered individuals
• MA Notice to Self-Employed Individuals from Employers with More Than 25 Covered Individuals
• MA Notice to Self-Employed Individuals from Employers with fewer than 25 Covered Individuals
• MA Rate Sheets
• MA Poster & Notices Miscellaneous Resources

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