Starting Today: Reduction in D.C. Paid Family Leave Benefits

Written By Laura Brown

While we were disappointed that the DC Paid Family Leave program was not fully restored from Mayor Bowser’s proposal, we are deeply grateful to the DC Council for working to partially restore the program in a year of deep budget cuts. First Shift pledges to continue advocating for the full restoration of the program—especially for caregiving workers whose families depend on them for their caregiving and their income.

As of today, October 1st 2026, D.C. Paid Family Leave benefits are changing. Anyone applying for D.C. Paid Family Leave benefits starting today will receive reduced benefit levels. If you have questions about coordinating your benefits or would like free assistance applying to D.C. Paid Family Leave, please reach out to First Shift!

Changes include:

  • Weekly benefits are reduced from a maximum of $1,190 per week to a maximum of $1,100 per week.

  • The number of weeks of benefits per year are reduced for family caregiving and personal medical leave.

    • Benefits for family caregiving are being reduced from a maximum of 12 weeks per year to a maximum of 6 weeks per year.

    • Benefits for personal medical are being reduced from a maximum of 12 weeks per year to a maximum of 10 weeks per year.

The number of weeks of benefits per year are staying the same for

  • Parental bonding leave (12 weeks per year)

  • Prenatal leave (2 weeks per year)

Laura Brown
Next

Your Support, Their Stories