What could you be paid?
80% of average weekly wages, capped at $900 per week in 2026 and 2027. This is a partial replacement benefit, not an automatic continuation of the full paycheck.
Who may qualify?
Generally 12 months with the employer and 1,250 hours in the preceding 12 months. Employers with 10 to 24 employees generally cover parental leave; those with 25 or more cover the additional required leave categories. Approved exemptions or private plans may apply.
What protects your job?
Delaware Paid Leave includes job protection for qualifying covered leave. Ask HR to confirm your employer coverage, individual eligibility and any concurrent FMLA designation.
Recovery leave and bonding
Medical and family caregiving leave generally have a six-week limit over 24 months. Combined covered leave cannot exceed 12 weeks in a year. Do not add six medical weeks to 12 bonding weeks automatically.
Notice, dates, and deadlines
Benefits began January 1, 2026. Plan foreseeable notice with HR; use the official employee guidance for claim deadlines. Parental leave is for care of a new child during the first year.
How to apply
Use LaborFirst or your employer’s approved private-plan process. Obtain employer confirmation, evidence of birth or placement and the expected absence dates.
Before you choose your dates
Ask for one written timeline showing the source of pay and the protection for each part of your absence. Include prior leave used, any waiting period, employer top-up rules, health-premium payments, and the first scheduled workday after leave. The maximum listed above is not a personal approval.
Your application folder
- Employer contact, work location, hire date, wage records and schedule.
- Proof of birth or placement accepted by the program.
- Medical certification only when the requested leave reason requires it.
- Proposed dates, any split schedule, and the employer’s notice confirmation.
- Submitted forms, receipt numbers, decisions, and appeal deadlines.
After approval, check whether continuing certifications or weekly claims are required. Report work, other payments and date changes accurately. A state payment approval does not automatically update the employer’s absence record.
Official sources & further reading
Source review: October 7, 2026. Rules can change; the administrator makes the final determination.