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Multiple state paid family and medical leave programs have announced mid-year updates to their benefit calculations and maximum weekly payouts, with changes taking effect between June and October 2026. These adjustments, driven by updated state average weekly wage calculations, will impact benefit amounts for employees filing new claims in Colorado, District of Columbia, Maine, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington.
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It is that time of year again when many state paid family and medical leave (PFML) programs roll out mid-year updates to benefit levels and related metrics. Several jurisdictions have now issued updated state average weekly wages (SAWW) used to calculate benefit payouts. As is typical, the timing and scope of these changes vary by jurisdiction, requiring employers to stay closely attuned to state-specific developments.
Read below to get caught up (for now!) on what has been happening in this ever-changing area of the law.
Maximum Weekly Benefit: Expected increase effective October 1, 2026, in an amount to be announced (from $1,190), based on the increase in the minimum wage to $18.40 (from $17.95) on July 1, 2026.
State Average Weekly Wage: Effective July 1, 2026, the SAWW increased to $1,249.12 (from $1,198.84).
Maximum Weekly Benefit: Effective July 1, 2026, the maximum weekly benefit increased to $1,249.12 (from $1,198.84), for new claims beginning on or after July 1, 2026.
State Average Weekly Wage: Effective July 1, 2026, the SAWW increased to $1,352.74 (from $1,297.06).
Maximum Weekly Benefit: The maximum weekly benefit increased to $1,150 (from $1,103), or up to $1,552 with maximum dependency allowances (from $1,489), for new claims beginning on or after July 1, 2026.
State Average Weekly Wage: Effective July 1, 2026, the SAWW will increase to $1,919 (from $1,830).
Maximum Weekly Benefit: The maximum weekly benefit will increase to $1,727 (from $1,647) for new claims beginning on or after January 1, 2027.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
