Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML): Important Reminders and New Poster Released

October 22, 2024

All private and public sector employers with at least one employee working in Maine are generally subject to the Maine PFML program. Below is the list of high-level action items through the first quarter of 2025 to comply with Maine PFML program.

Poster

On October 18, 2024, the Maine Department of Labor released the new poster for covered employers to display the poster in a conspicuous place on each of its premises. The employer is required to post the poster in English and each language other than English that is the primary language of three or more employees of that workplace if such notice is available from the department. Employers will further be required to notify employees in writing of their rights under the statute within 30 days of beginning employment. The Maine PFML poster can be retrieved here. “Covered employers” (i.e., employers with at least one employee working in Maine), with few exceptions, should display the poster in their workplace as soon as possible.

Employee Payroll Contributions

Starting on January 1, 2025, covered employers need to withhold up to 0.5% of their employees’ wages. Covered employers should work with their payroll vendors to set up the appropriate withholdings before January 1, 2025. Additionally, covered employers should use the poster to inform their employees regarding the payroll withholding in advance. Employers with 15 or more employees in Maine are required to contribute 0.5% of their Maine employees’ wages. Wages are defined as all compensation including tips, gratuities, severance, terminal pay, commissions, and bonuses.

Registering in the Paid Leave Portal

During the first quarter of 2025, all covered employers must register in the Paid Leave Portal. The portal has not been launched as of the time this article was published.

Employers Quarterly Wage Reporting and Premium Submissions

The first contributions and wage reports (based on the January to March 2025 quarter) will be due after the end of the quarter and no later than April 30, 2025. These will be submitted through the Paid Leave Portal. Employers’ payroll vendors may submit the reporting and premiums on behalf of the employers if they are registered properly with the portal.

The rules and other information about private plans are expected to be provided by the Maine Department of Labor in the coming months.

For additional information, please visit the Maine PFML program main site. Employers are encouraged to sign up from the state main site (“Get Notified”) email list to be notified with any new key updates related to Maine PFML.