Parental leave in Maryland: what launches, and when

Quick answers

Eight questions most Maryland parents ask

Who qualifies for maternity leave in Maryland?

Nobody yet. Maryland FAMLI has been delayed three years running, and benefits now begin January 3, 2028, with payroll contributions starting January 1, 2027. When it does start, eligibility is 680 hours worked in Maryland over the prior 12 months, which is lower than federal FMLA's 1,250 hours. Until then Maryland has no state wage replacement for parental leave.

How much does maternity leave pay in Maryland?

Up to $1,000 per week as the statute is currently written, indexed after the first year. Treat that as provisional: two more years of delay is ample time for the legislature to revise it, and Maryland has amended this law repeatedly. We re-check it every month.

How long is maternity leave in Maryland?

12 weeks in an application year for all reasons combined. You can reach 24 only in the specific case where you qualify for both bonding leave and your own serious health condition in the same application year. Most parents will be planning around 12, not 24.

Does FMLA cover maternity leave in Maryland?

Until 2028, federal FMLA is the whole story in Maryland: 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave at employers with 50+ employees, after 12 months and 1,250 hours. Job protection is not income. FMLA guarantees your job is there, not that you get paid.

Does short-term disability cover maternity leave in Maryland?

Maryland has no state disability program, so short-term disability through your employer is the only realistic wage replacement for a birth in 2026 or 2027. Typically 6 weeks after a vaginal birth or 8 after a cesarean, at 60% to 70% of pay. If your employer offers it, this is the single most important benefit to confirm.

Can both parents take parental leave in Maryland?

Not yet, since there is no program to use. From 2028 each parent will have their own 12-week entitlement. For a birth before then, the practical question is whose employer has the better parental leave policy and short-term disability plan.

What mistakes do parents make with maternity leave in Maryland?

The big one is planning around a launch date that moved. Maryland announced, then delayed, then delayed again, and plenty of guidance still online says July 2026 or even 2025. Contributions do not start until January 2027 and benefits not until January 2028. Anyone telling you Maryland has paid family leave right now is working from stale information.

How does Parental Leave Pro help?

For a Maryland birth before 2028 we map what actually exists: federal FMLA, your employer's parental leave policy, short-term disability, and PTO, sequenced so you are not stacking unpaid weeks by accident. We also flag when FAMLI contributions and benefits begin so you know whether a second child might qualify.