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2025 Update of U.S. Paid Family & Medical Leave

Updated: Jan 18



A young mom with baby on maternity leave

As we enter 2025, the state of paid family and medical leave in the United States remains a patchwork system, leaving millions of workers without the support they need. A recent fact sheet by the Center for American Progress sheds light on these inequities, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive policies. Despite growing public demand and clear benefits, the U.S. continues to lack a federal mandate guaranteeing paid family and medical leave for all workers.


What States Provide Paid Family and Medical Leave?

The Center for American Progress highlights that only 13 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws to provide paid family and medical leave. These states include:

  • California

  • New York

  • New Jersey

  • Rhode Island

  • Washington

  • Massachusetts

  • Connecticut

  • Oregon

  • Colorado

  • Maryland

  • Delaware

  • Virginia

  • Minnesota

However, these laws vary widely in eligibility requirements, benefit amounts, and durations. This inconsistency creates a fragmented system where access to paid leave depends on location rather than universal standards.


Short-Term Disability Insurance: A Flawed Substitute for Parental Leave

For many workers, access to paid family and medical leave is replaced by short-term disability insurance, often provided through their employer. While this benefit may offer some financial relief, it is far from a comprehensive solution.


Short-term disability policies are typically limited in scope and duration. They often exclude caregiving needs or require workers to navigate bureaucratic hurdles to access benefits. These limitations leave significant gaps, particularly for those dealing with family caregiving responsibilities or long-term health issues. Furthermore, many self employed, business owners, low-wage and part-time workers lack access to short-term disability insurance altogether, deepening inequalities.


Who Do Paid Family and Medical Leave Laws Cover?

The fact sheet from the Center for American Progress also outlines significant inequities in who can access paid leave. Key disparities include:

  • Income Inequality: Lower-wage workers are far less likely to have access to paid leave than higher-wage employees. This exacerbates economic disparities, as those who can least afford unpaid time off are often the ones who lack access to these critical benefits.

  • Part-Time and Gig Workers: Those that are self employed and workers in part-time or gig roles are frequently excluded from paid leave protections, leaving a large segment of the workforce without coverage.


This uneven coverage disproportionately affects women and caregivers, who are more likely to hold positions that lack paid leave benefits.


The Path Forward

As the nation debates the future of paid family and medical leave, it’s clear that a more inclusive and standardized approach would benefit workers, families, and the economy alike. By prioritizing these policies, the U.S. has an opportunity to build a system that supports economic security and public health for everyone. For more information, you can read the full fact sheet from the Center for American Progress here.


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