Paid parental leave expanding but not in Pennsylvania
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A growing number of states are expanding access to paid parental leave, but the benefit isn't guaranteed in Pennsylvania.
Why it matters: Most families can't afford to take unpaid leave, and studies have shown the benefit can lead to a wide range of positive outcomes for birthing parents, children, families and employers.
The big picture: At least nine states and Washington, D.C., have mandatory paid family leave systems in place, per the U.S. Department of Labor.
- Another four states have laws waiting to take effect.
State of play: The U.S. offers 12 weeks of job-protected, unpaid family leave for some employees but doesn't have a paid federal parental leave policy.
- Meanwhile, most countries guarantee paid parental leave.
Zoom in: Pregnant people in the U.S. are now entitled to "reasonable accommodations" like the ability to telework and take time off for health care appointments, thanks to the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act that went into effect last year.
- And because of the PUMP Act, breastfeeding parents are entitled to break time and a private place to pump (that's not the bathroom).
🧮 By the numbers: In Pennsylvania, an estimated 66% of workers didn't have access to paid family and medical leave benefits in 2022, per the U.S. Census Bureau.
- Public state workers have seen their paid parental leave benefits expand since then — from eight weeks for eligible employees up from six.
Zoom out: All workers in neighboring New Jersey are guaranteed up to 12 consecutive weeks of parental leave, plus as much as 85% of their average weekly wages.
- Meanwhile, Delaware's new paid leave benefits go fully into effect in 2026.
How it works: Without statewide requirements, there are two main ways to get wage replacement in Pennsylvania during parental leave, and they can be combined:
- Through your employer.
- From short-term disability, if you're a birthing parent.
- Workers could have the option to purchase short-term disability insurance as an add-on before they're pregnant.
What we're watching: With paid leave laws set to go into effect next year in Maine, Maryland and Minnesota, we'll see if there's any movement in the Pennsylvania legislature.