Best bet
Federal Family and Medical Leave Act, U.S. Department of Labor.
The best place to start for information on the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Includes forms, guidance, and other resources.
Mass. Department of Family and Medical Leave
For everything you need to know about the state program (PFML), included the state tax and benefits, this is the place to start.
Massachusetts law
MGL c. 175M Paid family medical leave (PFML)
Establishes a system for paid family leave of up to 12 weeks to care for a family member, and up to 20 weeks for your own illness. The tax that pays for it began in 2019 with leave available beginning in 2021.
Massachusetts regulations
458 CMR Department of Family and Medical Leave
830 CMR 175M Family and medical leave
Federal law
29 USC §§ 2601 et seq. Federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Federal regulations
29 CFR 825 Family and Medical Leave Act
Selected cases
Bodge v. Commonwealth, 494 Mass. 623 (2024)
The SJC ruled that the "the plain language of the G. L. c. 175M does not require an employer to guarantee the accrual of vacation and sick time during an employee's PFMLA leave."
DaPrato v. MWRA, 482 Mass. 375 (2019)
The SJC provided guidance on the types of conduct that may be permissible when out on FMLA. An employee taking a vacation during FMLA is not automatically grounds for termination or adverse employment actions against the employee.
Web sources for employees
Appealing a denied paid family or medical leave claim, Mass. Department of Family and Medical Leave.
"Was your claim for Paid Family or Medical Leave (PFML) benefits denied? Learn how to request an appeal."
FAQs for employees about topping off PFML benefits, Mass. Department of Family and Medical Leave.
Information for employees on using accrued paid time off to supplement PFML benefits, effective November 1, 2023.
How other leave and benefits can affect your Paid Family and Medical Leave, Mass. Department of Paid Family and Medical Leave.
Details the impact of different types of leave on PFML benefits.
Paid Family and Medical Leave benefits for employees, Mass. Department of Family and Medical Leave.
Information on paid family and medical leave for workers, including frequently asked questions.
Web sources for employers
FAQs for employers about topping off PFML benefits, Mass. Department of Family and Medical Leave.
Employer obligations, effective dates, and information on calculating "top off" amounts for employees on PFML.
Paid Family and Medical Leave exemption requests, registration, contributions, and payments, Mass. Department of Revenue.
Includes important information for employers.
Paid Family and Medical Leave for Massachusetts employers, Mass. Department of Family and Medical Leave.
A comprehensive page for Massachusetts employers. Includes information about employers’ obligations under the PFML law, as well as a practical guide to implementation.
Telework under the Fair Labor Standards Act and Family and Medical Leave Act, U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, February 9, 2023.
Provides information on remote employees’ eligibility for FMLA leave, including worksite requirements.
Time off from work, Mass. Legal Help.
Information on different types of employment leave, including paid and unpaid family and medical leave.
Print sources
Employee leave and accommodations law in Massachusetts, 5th ed., MCLE, 2022.
Labor and employment in Massachusetts, Lexis, loose-leaf. (eBook available with library card)
Chapter 6: Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave; Federal Family and Medical Leave Act.
Massachusetts employment law, 6th ed., MCLE, 2024.
Your rights in the workplace by Sachi Barreiro, 11th ed., Nolo, 2018. (eBook available with library card)
Contact
Online
| Last updated: | June 6, 2025 |
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