WA PFML Poster and Resources Updated, and the New 2022 Rates Reminder

To prepare for the 2022 PFML program, the WA Employment Security Department recently updated the following resources for employers:

• Mandatory poster: Employers need to replace the 2021 workplace poster with the new poster in breakrooms or share it with employees electronically.
• Premium calculator: The calculator can be used to verify the amount an employer needs to remit the PFML premiums to the state.
• Employer toolkit: The guide describes how to calculate premiums, how to report for Paid Leave and general information about the program.
• Optional paystub insert: This sample letter can be used to inform employees of the new premiums.

Starting January 1, 2022, the total WA PFML 2022 premium rate increased for the first time to 0.6% of the employees’ gross wages up to the 2022 Social Security cap ($147,000) from 0.4% of the employees’ gross wages in 2021. (We discussed this rate increase in the November 9, 2021 edition of Compliance Corner.) For an employer with 50 or more employees, the total premium is split between an employer and employees. The employer contribution is 26.78% of the total premiums, and the employee contribution is 73.22% of the total premiums. If an employer has fewer than 50 employees, the employer contribution is waived, and the employer will remit the employee premiums only.

The weekly benefit amount is 90% of an employee’s average weekly wage, up to the maximum weekly benefit amount of $1,327 in 2022.

WA PFML Documents and Forms »