What could you be paid?
Up to 90% of weekly wages depending on income. The 2026 maximum is $1,647 per week. Your approved wage calculation, not the posted maximum, belongs in your leave budget.
Who may qualify?
Generally 820 hours of covered Washington work during the qualifying period, potentially across multiple employers. Check employer voluntary plans, excluded work and self-employed enrollment.
What protects your job?
In 2026, state restoration generally requires an employer with at least 25 Washington employees and 180 days of service. Employer thresholds are scheduled to decrease in later years. Pay eligibility is a different test.
Recovery leave and bonding
Family and medical leave can combine for up to 16 weeks, or 18 with qualifying pregnancy-related incapacity. Twelve weeks of each category are not automatically 24 weeks.
Notice, dates, and deadlines
Bond within the first year. Give 30 days’ notice for foreseeable leave; apply promptly after the qualifying event and check the official deadline. Bonding has no waiting week; other claims may differ.
How to apply
Use the Employment Security Department Paid Leave portal. Submit the application and required evidence, then file weekly claims after approval. Report work hours and pay types accurately.
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.