Oregon Paid Family Leave

Written By Casey Sims

Beginning September 3, 2023, employees in the state of Oregon can begin accessing paid leave. Most people in Oregon are eligible for paid family leave. Here is some key information to know. Please visit this site for more information. 

You are automatically covered if:

  • You work for an employer in Oregon (full time, part time, seasonal)

  • You earned at least $1000 the year before you apply for benefits

  • You have a life event that qualifies (see below)

You are not automatically covered but DO qualify if you are:

Paid leave can be used for these life events:

  • The birth of a child

  • Bonding with a child in the first year (after birth, through adoption, when they are placed in your home through foster care)

  • A family member has a serious health emergency

  • You have a serious health condition

  • You or your child are a survivor of sexual assault, harassment, or stalking

The benefits of paid leave include:

  • Up to 12 weeks of paid leave in a 52-week period (starting from the day your leave begins)

  • You can take a week or a single day off at a time based on what your situation needs

  • You may be able to take up to 2 additional weeks (up to 14 weeks total) if you are pregnant, have given birth, or have health needs because of childbirth

  • You will receive payment every week you are on leave

  • Your job is protected while on leave if you have worked at least 90 consecutive days for your employer

  • Your employer must give you time off according to the law and cannot fire or threaten you for taking time off if you are eligible and you do not lose your job title or role while on leave

Family member includes:

  • Your spouse or domestic partner

  • Your child (biological, adopted, stepchild or foster child), your spouse or domestic partner’s child, or the child’s spouse or domestic partner

  • Your parent (biological, adoptive, stepparent, foster parent, or legal guardian), the parent of your spouse or domestic partner, or your parent’s spouse or domestic partner

  • Your sibling or step sibling or their spouse or domestic partner

  • Your grandparent or your grandparent’s spouse or domestic partner

  • Your grandchild or your grandchild’s spouse or domestic partner

  • Anyone you are related to by blood

  • Anyone who is connected to you and has a family relationship

How much money you will receive:

  • The amount depends on how much you earned the year before. Some employees will get 100% of their wages. Pay is retroactive from when your leave begins. 

  • The minimum weekly benefit is $63.48 and the maximum weekly benefit is $1,523.63

How much you and your employer contribute:

  • Employees and employers share the cost

  • Contributions began January 2023

  • The 2023 total contributions rate is only 1%. No more than 0.6% of your gross wages go towards this

  • Click here to access the contributions calculator to understand your specific amount

How to use Paid Leave:

  • Step 1: Gather your documents

    You will need to have a few documents ready before you apply. You’ll need at least 1 of the following: 

    • A copy of the child’s birth certificate

    • Hospital admission form

    • Copy of court order or letter from placement agency

    • Proof of your family member’s serious health condition from a health care provider that includes a brief description of the condition and the dates it started and ended

    Step 2: Give notice to your employer

    • 30-day notice: If you know you will need to use Paid Leave for an upcoming medical procedure, to have a child, to adopt a baby, or any other qualifying life event, you need to let your employer know at least 30 calendar days before taking leave.

    • 24-hour emergency notice: In an emergency, you must tell your employer (this does not have to be in writing) that you need to use Paid Leave within 24 hours. Then, give written notice to your employer within 3 days after starting leave.

    Step 3: Apply for benefits

    When you are ready to apply for benefits, you will use Frances Online. Employees can begin creating an account on Frances Online in August 2023.

    Make sure to:

    • Apply no earlier than 30 days before you need to take leave, or

    • Apply no later than 30 days after you take your leave 

    Step 4: Update your application

    • After your application has been approved, update your application anytime the leave time frame changes. Learn more about how to update your application.

    • If your employer has an equivalent plan instead of participating in the state’s Paid Leave Oregon plan, you must apply separately under the equivalent plan. Ask your employer for instructions on how to do that. 

    Have questions? Visit our commonly asked questions about Frances Online.

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Casey Sims