WA Paid Family Leave Calculator
Updated November 2026 · Free · No sign-up
Calculate your Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML) benefit — the 90%/50% two-tier formula, the weekly cap, and your weeks of entitlement for bonding, medical, or family care.
Quick answer: WA PFML pays 90% of your weekly wage up to half the state average weekly wage, plus 50% of wages above that, capped (≈$1,500-1,600/week — verify the current year's cap). Up to 12 weeks (16-18 combined family+medical). A $1,200/week earner gets ≈ $931/week.
The Two-Tier Formula
Washington's progressive structure protects lower earners:
- On wages up to 50% of the state average weekly wage (SAWW): benefit = 90% of that slice.
- On wages above it: +50% of the remainder.
- Total capped at the annual maximum (roughly 90% of SAWW).
Worked Examples
Example 1 — median earner. $1,200/week, SAWW $1,714 (half = $857): 90% × $857 + 50% × $343 = $771 + $172 = $943/week — ~79% replacement.
Example 2 — lower earner. $700/week (below half-SAWW): 90% × 700 = $630/week — the 90% tier covers the whole wage.
Example 3 — high earner. $3,000/week: formula gives $771 + $1,072 = $1,843 → capped ≈ $1,542; replacement falls to ~51% — private disability coverage fills the gap for high earners.
Eligibility & Uses
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Hours test | 820+ hours worked in Washington during the qualifying year (any employers combined) |
| Family leave | Bonding (birth/adoption/foster), caring for a family member, military exigencies — 12 weeks |
| Medical leave | Your own serious condition — 12 weeks (14 with pregnancy complications) |
| Combined cap | 16 weeks/year (18 with complications) |
| Waiting week | One unpaid week — EXCEPT bonding and military leave (none) |
| Job protection | If employer has 50+ employees and you have 12+ months / 1,250 hours there (FMLA-style test) |
PFML vs FMLA (Run Them Together)
WA PFML provides money; FMLA provides federal job protection — they run concurrently when both apply, but eligibility tests differ (820 state hours vs 1,250 employer hours). Small-company workers often qualify for PFML money without FMLA protection; long-tenured part-timers may hold both. Map both before scheduling leave, and note employers may NOT force you to exhaust PTO first — supplementing with PTO to reach 100% pay is your choice where offered.
Applying Well
- Apply up to 30 days early for foreseeable leave (birth, surgery) — processing takes weeks.
- Weekly claims after approval; benefits prorate for part-week leave (intermittent is allowed in day increments).
- Premiums: funded by payroll deductions you've already paid — using it is not a favor.
- Taxes: medical-leave benefits are generally not taxable; family-leave portions have federal gray areas — expect a 1099-G and check current IRS guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Washington PFML pay?
90% of your weekly wage up to half the state average weekly wage, plus 50% above it, capped around $1,500-1,600/week (annually adjusted — verify the current cap).
How many weeks of paid leave does Washington give?
12 weeks family OR medical; up to 16 combined (18 with pregnancy complications).
Who qualifies for WA paid leave?
Anyone who worked 820+ hours in Washington in the qualifying year, across any employers — including part-timers and job-switchers.
Is there a waiting week?
One unpaid week for medical and family-care claims — but NOT for bonding with a new child or military-exigency leave.
Is WA PFML job-protected?
Benefit payment and job protection are separate: protection applies at 50+ employee companies with 12 months/1,250 hours tenure — otherwise FMLA (if eligible) is the protection layer.
Is the benefit taxable?
Medical-leave portions generally are not; family-leave portions occupy a federal gray zone — you will receive a 1099-G; confirm current-year IRS treatment.
✓ Formula verified • Last updated: November 3, 2026