In this article, I will review two
government programs that aim to make family life more compatible with work.
Maternity Leave
Maternity leave in
Maryland is governed by a combination of federal and state laws, ensuring that
new parents have options for taking time off to care for their newborns. Here
are the key aspects of maternity leave in the state:
1) Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA):
Under the federal FMLA, eligible employees in Maryland can take up to 12 weeks
of unpaid, job-protected leave. This can be used for maternity leave following
the birth or adoption of a child.
2) Maryland Parental Leave Act (MPLA): Maryland has its own MPLA, which provides
additional protections. Eligible employees can take up to six workweeks of
unpaid leave for the birth or adoption of a child. To qualify, employees must
work for an employer with 15 or more employees and meet specific service
requirements.
3) Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML): Maryland has been working to implement a
paid family and medical leave program, offering wage replacement for eligible
employees. Maryland is now rolling out FAMLI.
What Is FAMLI?
Maryland is
preparing to launch a new paid family and medical leave system! The Division of
Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) is a new and growing team within the
Maryland Department of Labor, tasked with establishing and administering
Maryland’s paid family and medical leave insurance system. Starting in 2026,
the Maryland FAMLI system will ensure that workers are able to take time away
from work to care for themselves or a family member and still receive up to
$1,000 a week for up to 12 weeks.
FAMLI was
established through the Time to Care Act passed by the Maryland General
Assembly. Maryland is the 11th state (including DC) to pass such a
law. Three more have since followed. Here are some of its provisions:
1) Who will be covered? Any worker in
Maryland who has worked 680 hours in the past 12 months is covered.
Self-employed individuals can also elect to participate.
2) When will workers use paid family and
medical leave? Workers can use it to care for themselves or a family member
with a serious health condition, to welcome a child, and to prepare for a
family member’s deployment.
3) Paternity leave: FMLA, MPLA, and FAMLI
are gender-neutral and can be used by fathers, allowing them to take paternity
leave to bond with their newborns.
In comparison to
other U.S. states, Maryland's maternity leave policies offer a robust level of
support for new parents. The six-week MPLA leave period complements the 12
weeks of unpaid leave provided by FMLA, giving eligible parents a total of 18
weeks for maternity and paternity leave. However, it is important to note that
these leaves are unpaid, which can be a financial challenge for some families.
When compared to
other countries, particularly those in Europe and some parts of Asia,
Maryland's maternity leave policies may seem less generous. In countries like
Sweden and Norway, parents can enjoy up to a year or more of paid parental
leave, ensuring job security and financial support during their time off.
Child Care
Scholarships: A Valuable Support System
To alleviate the
financial burden of child care, many parents in Maryland can benefit from Child
Care Scholarships (vouchers) and the Family Portal.
Child
Care Scholarship: Maryland’s
Child Care Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to eligible
families, helping them access high-quality child care services. The program is
administered through the Department of Education and has income-based
eligibility requirements. For example: the income limit for a family of six is
$118,843. Scholarships are available for children
under 13 as well as for individuals aged 13 to 19 years old who have
a qualifying disability.?
To
apply for a Child Care Scholarship, you must submit an application through the
Child Care Scholarship Family Portal. The
Maryland Family Portal is an online resource that connects parents with
information and services related to childcare, education, and family support.
It is a convenient platform for parents to explore available options and apply
for childcare subsidies and scholarships.
Daycare
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Tax-Advantaged Child Care Support: In addition to
these programs, families in Maryland can take advantage of Daycare Flexible
Spending Accounts (FSAs). These accounts allow parents to set aside pre-tax
dollars to cover eligible childcare expenses. By using an FSA, parents can
reduce their taxable income and save on childcare costs.
In conclusion,
Maryland offers a comprehensive support system for parents, including maternity
leave protections, the Child Care Scholarship (vouchers), and the Family
Portal. The upcoming implementation of the Paid Family and Medical Leave
program will further enhance the state’s support for new parents. Additionally,
Daycare Flexible Spending Accounts provide an opportunity for families to
manage childcare expenses more efficiently while receiving tax benefits.
Yehoshua Sopher
founded Elicit to help people earn the government benefits they deserve. He can
be reached at elicit.yehoshua@gmail.com or 410-205-9668.
