Washington State Announces PFML Premium Rate for 2026

Washington state has announced an increase to its paid family and medical leave (PFML) premium rate for 2026. The rate is adjusted annually based on premiums contributed and benefits paid during the previous year.

2026 Premium Rate
Starting Jan. 1, 2026, the PFML premium rate will be 1.13% of each employee’s gross wages, not including tips, up to the 2026 Social Security cap of $184,500. This is an increase from the 2025 premium rate of 0.92% of wages.

Of the total 1.13% contribution in 2026, employers with 50 or more employees will pay 28.57%, and employee withholding will cover the remaining 71.43%, a similar ratio as in 2025. Employers may pay some or all of the employees’ share on their behalf if they choose. Employers with fewer than 50 employees employed in the state are not required to pay the employer portion of premiums, but they are eligible for grant assistance if they do.

Employer Withholding
All employers must withhold employees’ premiums from their paychecks and pay the employer’s share, if any. The payments are made quarterly, with the filing of employer reports through SecureAccess Washington. First-quarter premiums using the new rate are due by the end of April 2026. Employers may not retroactively withhold premiums from employees.

Upcoming Changes to PFML
2025 amendments to PFML take effect Jan. 1, 2026, and affect different aspects of the program. Among other things, the changes expand job protection, clarify the continuation of health care benefits, limit leave “stacking” with federal FMLA leave, reduce the weekly minimum claim from eight hours to four hours, and expand the small business assistance grant program. Additional notice obligations will also apply to employers in some circumstances.