How the Maine Paid Leave weekly benefit is calculated
Maine's Paid Family and Medical Leave program is brand new: payroll contributions began January 1, 2025, but benefits are only paid for leave that starts on or after May 1, 2026. It replaces part of your wages while you're on approved medical, family, military-exigency, or safe leave. Maine's state average weekly wage (SAWW) updates every July 1; the current SAWW is $1,249.12 (effective July 1, 2026 — it was $1,198.84 for the program's initial May–June 2026 window). Wondering how much you'll get? The state's own maine.gov paidleave benefit estimate tool covers this too, but here's the same math instantly. The formula is tiered in two steps:
How long does the benefit last?
Maine PFML provides up to 12 weeks of paid leave per benefit year, covering your own serious health condition, bonding with a new child, caring for a family member, military exigency, or safe leave. Unlike some states, these reasons draw from a single combined 12-week bank per benefit year — they are not stacked on top of each other.
Maine Paid Leave FAQ (2026)
How much will I get from Maine Paid Leave?
Maine pays 90% of your average weekly wage up to $624.56 (half the state average), plus 66% of anything above that. The maximum weekly benefit is $1,249.12 for 2026 — the state average weekly wage itself.
Is Maine PFML really new?
Yes. Maine's program only began paying benefits for leave starting May 1, 2026, even though payroll deductions to fund it started back in January 2025.
Who is eligible for Maine PFML?
Most workers qualify if they earned at least $7,188 (a state-set threshold) from Maine employment during the base period — the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before your benefit year starts. See maine.gov/paidleave for exact rules.
Is the benefit taxable?
Paid Leave benefits are generally expected to be treated as taxable income for federal purposes, similar to other state paid-leave programs, but confirm current guidance with the IRS or a tax professional.