How does Massachusetts calculate the PFML weekly benefit?

Massachusetts uses a two-tier progressive formula. It replaces 80 percent of the part of your average weekly wage up to half the state average weekly wage, then 50 percent of the part above that. The total is capped at the annual maximum weekly benefit.

Does Massachusetts have a separate disability program?

No. Massachusetts folds disability and family leave into one Paid Family and Medical Leave program. Medical leave covers your own serious health condition, while family leave covers bonding with a new child or caring for a family member.

How is the average weekly wage figured?

Massachusetts uses your earnings over the base period, the last four completed calendar quarters, to compute an average weekly wage. That figure is run through the two-tier replacement formula to set your benefit.

How long can benefits last?

Massachusetts allows up to 20 weeks of paid medical leave, up to 12 weeks of paid family leave for bonding or caregiving, and up to 26 weeks combined in a single benefit year, subject to program rules.

Massachusetts Disability & Paid Family Leave Benefit Calculator

Q: Is this my exact benefit?

No. This is an estimate. Actual benefits depend on the state's wage records, the seven-day waiting period for most claims, and the current-year state average weekly wage that drives the formula and cap. Confirm with the Massachusetts Department of Family and Medical Leave.

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Massachusetts runs a single Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program that covers both your own serious health condition and family caregiving. It uses a progressive two-tier formula that favors lower earners.

How it works

The benefit is built from two tiers anchored to the state average weekly wage (SAWW):

tier 1 = 80% of the part of AWW up to 50% of the SAWW
tier 2 = 50% of the part of AWW above 50% of the SAWW
weekly = min(tier 1 + tier 2, state maximum)

Medical leave runs up to 20 weeks, family leave up to 12 weeks, and combined leave up to 26 weeks in a benefit year.

Example

With a state average weekly wage of about $1,829, half is $914.50. An AWW of $1,200 gives tier 1 of 914.50 × 0.80 = $731.60 plus tier 2 of (1200 − 914.50) × 0.50 = $142.75, for $874.35 per week before the cap.

Notes

This is an estimate. Actual benefits depend on the state’s wage records, the seven-day waiting period for most claims, and the current-year state average weekly wage that drives the formula and cap. Confirm with the Massachusetts Department of Family and Medical Leave.