Oregon’s laws requiring paid family leave benefits for employees working in the state first went into effect on September 3, 2023.

• Employees apply for paid leave through the state’s Employment Department via the Frances Online site (link below), unless their employer has already adopted an approved voluntary plan.

• Employees working in the state may take up to 12 weeks of paid leave in a 52-week period for either family or medical reasons. In certain situations, pregnant employees may qualify for 2 additional weeks (up to a total of 14 weeks of leave).

• Self-employed individuals and independent contractors may also be eligible in certain circumstances.

• Tribal governments may choose to contribute to Oregon’s Paid Leave program and offer paid leave benefits to their employees as well.

• The Oregon legislature also passed Senate Bill (SB) 1515 in March 2024. SB1515 affects how employees can utilize the Oregon Family Leave Act (OFLA) along with any paid time off and workers’ compensation in relation to Paid Leave. These changes went into effect as of July 1, 2024.