D.C. Paid Family Leave Benefits

Frequently asked questions

D.C. Paid Family Leave Program provides financial benefits (max 90% of wages or $1049/week) when you miss work for family or health reasons. You can receive them by submitting an application to the D.C. Office of Paid Family Leave.

Do you need help applying for DC Paid Family Leave Benefits? We have created a step-by-step process to guide you through the process of applying for DC Paid Family Leave. You find the document here.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Currently working in D.C. for a non-government employer

• Experiencing a qualifying family or health event

• Employer’s may request a completed medical certification form for health related leave

• If you are currently unemployed, you cannot apply for benefits

12 weeks

Bonding with a new child by

• childbirth

• adoption

• foster care

12 weeks

Caregiving for a family member with a serious health condition

12 weeks

Medical Need: Receiving treatment for and/or recovering from an illness or injury

2 weeks

Prenatal Care: Prenatal appointments and procedures; receiving treatment for or experiencing pregnancy complications

Maximum benefit amount is 12 weeks in a 52-week period; however, prenatal benefits and parental benefits can be combined for a maximum of 14 weeks in a 52-week period. Benefits are available by the day or week. You can only apply for leave taken in the past if it occurred within 30 days prior to the submission of the application, absent exigent circumstances.

What benefits am I eligible to receive while I take leave from work for my pregnancy and the birth of my child?

• The law provides up to two weeks of leave benefits for prenatal care and up to 12 weeks for bonding after the birth of a child, for a maximum amount of 14 weeks. You do not need to provide medical certification from your medical provider for bonding leave, but you do need a document that proves the birth occurred, which could be hospital discharge papers or a birth certificate.

How much will I be paid while on leave?

• If you earn $900 or less per week on average, you are entitled to 90% of your average weekly wage.

• If you earn more than $900 per week on average, you are entitled to 90% of your average weekly wage up to $900, plus 50% of your wage above $900, up to a maximum of $1,049 per week.

• Your average weekly wage is calculated based on the highest four of the previous five quarters prior to the “qualifying leave event”.

When will I receive my first check?

• You may have to wait up to four weeks from the date you file your claim. After that, you will receive a check every two weeks.

Am I entitled to get my job back if I take time off and receive paid family leave benefits?

• No. D.C.’s paid family leave law does not protect your job; it provides you with income while you are taking leave from work. The D.C. Family Medical Leave Act and the Protecting Pregnant Workers Fairness Act provide eligible workers with job-protection when they take leave from work. For more information about these and laws that may protect your job, click here.

Can a non-birthing parent receive paid family leave benefits as well?

• Yes, non-birthing parents are entitled to receive up to 12 weeks of benefits for bonding leave taken within a year of the baby’s birth. Bonding leave benefits are also available for adoptive parents.

• Non-birthing parents cannot take job-protected leave unless they are covered by DCFMLA.

Am I protected from retaliation?

• Yes. Your employer cannot punish or fire you just because you apply for or receive paid family leave benefits.

Can my short-term disability insurance company offset my short-term disability benefits if I receive D.C. Paid Family Leave Benefits?

• Short-term disability insurance companies may not offset or reduce short-term disability benefits available to eligible D.C. employees based on the estimated or actual payment of paid family leave benefits, except for self-insured employers.