DE · Parental leave programs 2026
Parental leave in Delaware: up to $900 a week
Delaware Paid Leave began paying benefits in 2026. Up to $900 per week for parental leave, with separate shorter allowances for family or medical leave.
Weekly maximum
$900
Maximum weeks
12 parental / 6 family or medical
Wage replacement
80%
Quick answers
Eight questions most Delaware parents ask
- Who qualifies for maternity leave in Delaware?
- Employees with at least 12 months of tenure and 1,250 hours in the past year, at a covered employer. Delaware sets thresholds by leave type: 25 or more employees for medical and family leave, 10 or more for parental leave. Employers under 10 are excluded.
- How much does maternity leave pay in Delaware?
- $900 per week in 2026, paid at 80% of your average weekly wage. This is the lowest cap among active state programs, so higher earners hit it quickly.
- How long is maternity leave in Delaware?
- 12 weeks of paid bonding leave per benefit year.
- Does FMLA cover maternity leave in Delaware?
- Runs concurrently with federal FMLA when both apply. Federal FMLA needs 50 or more employees; Delaware Paid Leave reaches smaller employers, so some workers get state benefits without federal FMLA coverage.
- Does short-term disability cover maternity leave in Delaware?
- Delaware Paid Leave includes medical leave for the birthing parent's own recovery. Employer STD policies may coordinate on top; ask whether they offset, top up, or stack.
- Can both parents take parental leave in Delaware?
- Yes. Both parents can claim Delaware Paid Leave for bonding with the same child if each independently meets the tenure and hours tests.
- What mistakes do parents make with maternity leave in Delaware?
- Missing the 12-month tenure requirement, which is stricter than most states. Not checking whether your employer uses a private plan. Assuming a small employer means no coverage, when the parental-leave threshold is only 10 employees.
- How does Parental Leave Pro help?
- Free intake checks the tenure and hours tests that disqualify more Delaware parents than any other rule, confirms your employer size threshold, and builds the filing timeline and HR email.
Programs that apply in Delaware
Delaware Paid Leave
Complete state guide with 2026 rates, filing timeline, and coordination rules.
Read the full guide →Federal FMLA
Unpaid job protection. 12 weeks. Requires 12 months tenure and 1,250 hours.
How FMLA and PFML differ →Short-term disability
Employer-provided or state-run STD covers medical recovery. Filed separately from state PFML.
STD vs PFML →Employer policy coordination
Your employer's leave policy is stacked, supplemental, or offset with state PFML. The difference is often $10K-$20K.
How coordination works →Get your Delaware-specific plan
The free check takes about 60 seconds.
Runs eligibility across every program above, calculates your specific dollar amount, and writes the HR email that confirms your employer policy's coordination pattern.
Related state programs
NJ
Parental leave in New Jersey
New Jersey pays through two programs: Temporary Disability Insurance for medical recovery, and Family Leave Insurance for bonding. Both administered by NJ DOL.
MD
Parental leave in Maryland
Maryland FAMLI was delayed. Benefits now begin January 2028. Until then, Maryland parents rely on federal FMLA and employer policies for leave coordination.
DC
Parental leave in District of Columbia
DC Paid Family Leave pays up to $1,190 per week for up to 12 weeks of parental, family, or medical leave. Administered by DOES.
Educational content. Not legal, tax, HR, or financial advice. Confirm your specific eligibility with the applicable state agency, your employer, or a qualified advisor.