How is the DC Paid Family Leave benefit calculated?

DC PFL replaces 90% of your average weekly wage on the portion up to 40 times the DC minimum wage, then 50% on any wage above that. The weekly benefit is capped at a statutory maximum that updates each year.

Does the District of Columbia have a separate disability program?

The District does not run a separate short-term disability insurance program. DC Paid Family Leave covers medical leave for your own serious health condition as well as family, parental, and prenatal leave.

What is the maximum weekly benefit?

The cap is set by statute and adjusted periodically. For 2025 the maximum weekly benefit is $1,153. The figure is recalculated as the program updates.

How long can I receive benefits?

Most workers can receive up to 12 weeks of medical, family, or parental leave in a 52-week period, plus up to 2 weeks of prenatal leave.

Is this calculator official?

No. It is an independent estimate to help you plan. Your actual benefit is determined by the DC Office of Paid Family Leave based on your verified wage records.

District of Columbia Disability & Paid Family Leave Benefit Calculator

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DC Paid Family Leave at a glance

The District of Columbia provides wage replacement through the Universal Paid Leave program, commonly called DC Paid Family Leave (DC PFL), rather than a standalone state disability fund. DC PFL pays benefits whether you take medical leave for your own serious health condition, family leave to care for a loved one, parental leave to bond with a new child, or prenatal leave. This calculator estimates your weekly benefit based on your earnings.

How it works

DC PFL uses a two-tier replacement formula tied to the DC minimum wage. The portion of your average weekly wage up to 40 times the minimum wage is replaced at 90%, and any wage above that threshold is replaced at 50%. The total is then capped at the statutory weekly maximum.

Using the 2025 figures (DC minimum wage of $17.50 per hour, maximum of $1,153):

Lower-tier threshold = 40 × $17.50 = $700.00 per week
Weekly maximum (2025) =              $1,153 per week

If AWW ≤ $700:  benefit = AWW × 0.90
If AWW > $700:  benefit = ($700 × 0.90) + (AWW − $700) × 0.50

Your average weekly wage (AWW) is your total covered wages divided by the number of weeks you worked.

Example and notes

A worker earning $48,000 over 52 weeks has an AWW of about $923.08. Because that exceeds the $700 threshold, the benefit is 90% of $700 ($630) plus 50% of the $223.08 above the threshold ($111.54), for roughly $742 per week. A higher earner is limited by the 2025 cap of $1,153 per week. Benefits run for up to 12 weeks in a 52-week period. This is an estimate only — the DC Office of Paid Family Leave makes the final determination, and the minimum-wage-linked figures update over time.