The Massachusetts paid family and medical leave program starts in the new year, meaning people may begin signing up Friday.
The new leave program provides temporary income to eligible workers, who can apply for a range of needs, including their own conditions or those of family members. Parental leave for a new child is also covered, as are some military considerations.
Eligible workers can take up to 20 weeks per year of paid leave for their own serious health condition, or up to 12 weeks of parental leave for a new child within the first 12 months of the child’s birth, adoption or foster care placement. Up to 12 weeks may also be taken to care for a family member with a serious health condition.
Workers can also take up to 26 weeks per year to care for a family member who is a member of the Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves, and who is undergoing medical treatment or on temporary disability, or to care for a family member’s child or other needs while that family member is deployed.
The Department of Family and Medical Leave, part of the state’s Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, announced Wednesday it will begin taking applications into the program Jan. 1.
