DC Enacts Amendments Reducing Paid Family And Medical Leave Benefits

The District of Columbia has enacted amendments to its Universal Paid Leave Amendment Act of 2016, scaling back benefit durations and lowering the maximum weekly payout for local workers.

Temporary Reductions in Leave Durations and Benefit Caps

Family leave for caring for a serious health condition drops from 12 workweeks down to six workweeks. Medical leave for an employee’s own serious health condition decreases from 12 workweeks to ten workweeks. Parental leave for bonding with a new child remains unchanged at 12 workweeks, and prenatal leave stays at two workweeks.

In addition to shorter leave windows, the maximum weekly benefit drops from $1,190 to $1,100 for claims filed on or after October 1, 2026. While the leave durations are scheduled to revert back to 12 workweeks on October 1, 2030, the weekly benefit cap will not automatically reset. The District may raise the cap later to reflect inflation if sufficient funds remain available in the Universal Paid Leave program.

Timeline of Universal Paid Leave Adjustments

• October 1, 2022: Eligible employees became entitled to up to 12 weeks each of parental, family, and medical leave, alongside two weeks of prenatal leave within a 52-week period.
• October 1, 2026: Temporary reductions took effect, lowering family leave to six weeks, medical leave to ten weeks, and the maximum weekly benefit to $1,100.
• September 30, 2030: The temporary reduction window concludes for family and medical leave benefit durations.
• October 1, 2030: Family and medical leave benefits are scheduled to return to 12 workweeks, though the $1,100 weekly benefit cap stays in place until adjusted for inflation by the District.

Frequently Asked Questions About DC Leave Changes

Are parental bonding leave and prenatal leave affected by the 2026 amendments?

No. Parental leave remains at 12 workweeks, and prenatal leave stays at two workweeks, unchanged by the October 2026 policy adjustments.

What updates do employers need to make following the October 2026 shift?

Employers must review and update employee handbooks, communicate the new $1,100 maximum weekly benefit to staff, and update employee notices in accordance with publications from DC’s Office of Paid Family Leave.