Compliance Connection

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) vs. Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)

Submitted by Ginger Huff, Arkansas State Manager, American Fidelity Assurance Co.

PFML laws continue to pass throughout the United States. It’s important to understand how this may affect your benefits program and how PFML compares to the FMLA. Review the chart below to understand the similarities and differences between FMLA and PFML:

Does it provide job protection? FMLA - Yes; PFML - Sometimes

Is it paid? FMLA - No; PFML - Yes

What is the length of leave? FMLA - 12 Weeks; PFML - Varies

Do health benefits continue? FMLA - Yes; PFML - No

Does it require the use of accrued time? FMLA - Employer Determines; PFML - Varies

Does it allow time to bond with a new child? FMLA - Yes; PFML - Yes

Does it include time for caring for yourself or a family member with a serious health condition? FMLA - Yes; PFML - Yes

Does it include caring for military family members? FMLA -Yes; PFML - Yes

Does it include leave for domestic and/or sexual violence? FMLA - No; PFML - Varies

This chart is intended to provide a broad overview of these two programs. Local and state government PFML websites will include more information specific to each locality.

For more information on how we can help, visit americanfidelity.com/leave.

(This blog is up to date as of March 2022 and has not been updated for changes in the law, administration or current events.)