Beginning on January 1, 2019, Washington State is implementing a new Paid Family & Medical Leave program. It will offer Washington workers the opportunity to receive partial wage replacement while on leave to recover from an injury or illness, take care of an ill or injured family member, bond with a new child, or for certain military-related events.
This is a statewide insurance program, and premiums will be collected through payroll withholding. Premium collection will begin January 1, 2019; eligible employees will be able to apply for benefits beginning January 1, 2020.
Employers should plan now to implement the new withholding requirements in 2019. Contact Davies Pearson’s Employment Law Department for more information.