Paid Leave in Oregon: What You Need to Know
If you need to take an extended absence from work, but you're worried about losing income, a new program called Paid Leave Oregon can help.
What is Paid Leave Oregon?
Paid Leave Oregon is a state-run insurance program for Oregon workers who need to take extended time off due to important life events—such as the birth of a child or serious health problems.
Quick facts about Paid Leave Oregon
- Most Oregon workers are eligible for Paid Leave Oregon.
- You can take up to 12 weeks of paid leave per year if you have a qualifying event—like having a child, serious health problems, or caring for a sick family member.
- If you qualify, you'll get paid a weekly benefit.
- Your weekly benefit depends on your income—you may receive up to 100% of your wages in some situations.
- Your employer must let you take time off and can’t punish you or fire you for participating in Paid Leave Oregon.
Who qualifies for Paid Leave Oregon?
Most employees in Oregon qualify for Paid Leave Oregon. To qualify, you must have earned at least $1,000 in the year before you apply.
You can check if you're eligible using Paid Leave Oregon's online eligibility quiz.
Do self-employed workers qualify for Paid Leave Oregon?
If you are self-employed, you don’t automatically qualify for Paid Leave Oregon, but you can opt into this program. Learn more about paid leave for self-employed workers on the Paid Leave Oregon website.
When can I use Paid Leave Oregon to take paid time off?
You can use Paid Leave Oregon if you need to take an extended leave from work because of significant life events like:
- Serious health problems (for example, recovering from surgery or illness).
- Caring for a family member with a serious health condition.
- Welcoming a new child through birth, adoption, or foster care.
- Dealing with domestic violence or sexual abuse.
How much does Paid Leave Oregon pay?
If you qualify for Paid Leave Oregon, you'll get paid a weekly benefit. Your weekly benefit depends on your actual earnings.
Payments are based on your earnings and can last up to 12 weeks per year (up to 14 weeks for pregnancy-related leave).
You can calculate your benefit amount using Paid Leave Oregon's benefit calculator.
How do I apply?
You can apply online through Oregon's Frances Online website. To apply, you'll need:
- Your employer's information.
- Details about the reason you need to take leave.
- Documents like a medical note or birth certificate, if required.
Learn more about the application process on the Paid Leave Oregon site.
What if my employer already offers leave?
You can still be eligible for Paid Leave Oregon.
Oregon employers can offer their employees a variety of benefits, including paid time off from work or private short-term insurance benefits.
However, providing these benefits doesn't excuse your employer from paying into the Paid Leave Oregon system. Your employer can only opt out if they:
- Offer all their employees a paid leave program with equal or better benefits than the Paid Leave Oregon program.
- Get approval from the Oregon Employment Department to opt out of Paid Leave Oregon.
If your employer doesn't meet these requirements, they still must participate in Paid Leave Oregon, which means you also qualify.
Need help?
- Contact the Oregon Employment Department through their online message tool or call 1-833-854-0166.
- Refer to the Paid Leave Oregon Employee Guidebook.