On June 28, 2018, Massachusetts joined the growing list of states that provide paid family and/or medical leave for employees. Starting in 2021, workers in the Bay State will have the following annual benefits:

. 12 weeks of paid family leave (up to a maximum of $850.00 per week)
. 26 weeks of paid family leave if the leave is taken to care for a covered servicemember
. 20 weeks of paid medical leave

Employees would not be permitted to take more than 26 weeks of combined paid family and medical leave in the same 52 week period.

Employer and employee contributions via payroll deduction will begin on July 1, 2019, with benefit payments beginning on January 1, 2021 for medical leave and on July 1, 2021 for family leave benefits. Employers may opt out of the state program if they provide benefits that match or exceed those provided by the state plan.