OLYMPIA, Wash. – More than 218,000 Washington workers have claimed benefits from the state’s Paid Family & Medical Leave program in 2025, amounting to over $1.76 billion.

Starting January 1, 2026, the premium rate will increase to 1.13% from the current 0.92%. Employers will cover 28.57% of the premium, while employees will pay 71.43%.

The Employment Security Department (ESD) funds the program through premiums collected from both employees and employers across Washington state. Each October, ESD recalculates the premium rate based on the previous year’s program usage and premium collection.

Businesses with fewer than 50 employees are not required to pay the employer portion of the premium unless they choose to do so. However, they must still collect the employee premium or pay it on beh

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