Maryland

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Maryland: Updated Resources for FAMLI Program

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All Employers with Employees in MD

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Quick Look

  • Maryland’s Department of Labor (MDOL) released new resources to help employers and their workers understand the upcoming FAMLI program.
  • The employer registration portal is now open.
  • MDOL has also published information for employers to use a private plan instead of the state plan.
  • All employers must electronically submit Quarterly Wage and Hour Reports (QWHRs) to the FAMLI Division – including those with private plans.

Discussion

Maryland’s Department of Labor (MDOL) released new resources to help employers and their workers understand the upcoming FAMLI program. FAMLI provides workers with up to twelve weeks of paid leave for qualifying family and medical reasons. Contributions funding the program begin January 1, 2027 with benefits beginning January 3, 2028. The new resources address employer registration, private insurance plan options, and quarterly wage and hour reporting.

 

The employer registration portal is now open. Employers with at least one employee working in Maryland need to register with FAMLI. Initial registration must be completed by an authorized officer who needs to provide an email address and phone number as well as a Social Security Number and a valid form of identification. Third party agents like payroll providers, PEOs, CPAs, and HR or benefits administrators can also register on behalf of their clients. Such agents will need to have their clients sign a power of attorney to manage FAMLI tasks on their behalf.

 

MDOL has also published information for employers to use a private plan instead of the state plan. Private plans must provide the same level of benefits and services as the state plan or better and must be approved by the FAMLI Division. Private plans can be commercial insurance plans or self-insured. Employers with fewer than 50 employees can apply for a self-insured plan if they already have their own FAMLI-compliant plan in place by July 31, 2026. Employers who intend to apply for a private plan and want to be exempt from contributions must submit a Declaration of Intent (DOI) between September 1-November 15, 2026. Private plan applications will be available in summer 2027 and will be due October 1, 2027.

 

All employers must electronically submit Quarterly Wage and Hour Reports (QWHRs) to the FAMLI Division – including those with private plans. FAMLI uses the information provided in these reports as the basis for determining employee eligibility and benefit amounts based on the number of hours they work. Contributions must be paid on or before the quarterly due date to avoid penalties and interest. Employers should continue to monitor the FAMLI Division website for additional updates.

 

Action Items

  1. Complete employer registration process.
  2. Submit Declaration of Intent to use private plan, if applicable.
  3. Monitor website for availability of private plan applications.
  4. Review and update relevant leave policies and procedures.
  5. Have appropriate personnel trained on the requirements.

 

Disclaimer: This document is designed to provide general information and guidance concerning employment-related issues. It is presented with the understanding that ManagEase is not engaged in rendering any legal opinions. If a legal opinion is needed, please contact the services of your own legal adviser. © 2026 ManagEase