Effective April 1, 2028, a new paid family and medical leave (PFML) program will go into effect in Virginia [H.B. 1207, L. 2026]. The program will provide employees with up to 12 weeks of PFML per benefit year, and employees can begin taking leave on December 1, 2028.
The state has a voluntary PFML plan, which allows private insurers to offer voluntary, private paid family leave insurance, that began on July 1, 2022.
Employee and Employer Contributions
PFML contributions will be split between employees and employers. Starting April 1, 2028, employers with 11 or more employees must deduct 50% of the contributions from employees and remit both the employee and employer portions to the state. Employers may choose to cover any portion of the employee’s share. Employers with 10 or fewer employees must deduct 50% of the contribution from employee wages but will not be required to remit the employer’s share. The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) will announce the contribution rates by October 1, 2027.
More Information, Resources
The PFML program will be administered by the VEC. Employers may find more information as it becomes available on the VEC website, including FAQs. Employers interested in a private PFML plan may apply for approval with the VEC.
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Lorelei Abernathy, Esq., is Editor of PayState Update and Editor of Payroll Information Resources for PayrollOrg.
