WILMINGTON, DE — Delaware’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave program officially launched, marking a significant shift in how workers across the state can balance jobs, health needs, and family responsibilities.
The program, known as Delaware Paid Leave, allows eligible employees to begin submitting claims for wage-replacement benefits tied to major life events, including personal medical issues, caregiving for a seriously ill family member, welcoming a new child, or responding to a family member’s overseas military deployment.
Authorized under the Healthy Delaware Families Act signed into law in May 2022, the initiative represents one of the most consequential workforce policy changes in the state in decades. More than 400,000 Delaware workers are expected to benefit, extending support to roughly 70 percent of the state’s population when families are included.
“Delaware Paid Leave helps to address a significant financial challenge many families face when tending to a loved one or their own medical conditions,” said Delaware Secretary of Labor LaKresha Moultrie. “This launch, two years in the planning, represents a major step forward for the health, stability, and economic security of our workforce. No worker should have to choose between their paycheck and their family’s well-being.”
Unlike the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, which guarantees unpaid leave only at employers with 50 or more employees, Delaware Paid Leave provides wage replacement and applies to employers with as few as 10 Delaware-based workers. State officials say the program fills a long-standing gap for employees who could not afford to take unpaid leave under federal law.
Governor Matt Meyer said the program strengthens both families and the broader economy. “With the launch of Delaware Paid Leave, workers can now focus on what matters most — the health of their loved ones and the joy of welcoming a new child — without the added stress of financial hardship,” Meyer said. “This program reflects our commitment to supporting working families, strengthening our communities, and building an economy where everyone can thrive.”
State labor officials estimate that more than 6,000 Delaware businesses will benefit from the program through improved recruitment and retention, particularly as neighboring states already offer similar paid leave protections. The program is also fully digital, allowing electronic claim submission and certification, a feature designed to reduce administrative burden for employers and health care providers.
“Delaware Paid Leave strengthens Delaware’s workforce by supporting healthier, more engaged employees,” said Chris Counihan, director of the Division of Paid Family Leave. “This program levels the playing field for Delaware employers competing for talent in the region.”
The Department of Labor said it is expanding outreach to help employers and employees navigate the new system. Resources include an employee information hub with calculators, webinars, and FAQs, employer compliance tools, and round-the-clock assistance by phone at 302-761-8375 or email at PFML@delaware.gov. Additional details are available at https://de.gov/paidleave.
Separately, the Department of Labor is also conducting its annual Prevailing Wage Survey for state-funded construction projects. Survey forms were mailed January 2, 2026, and must be submitted electronically or postmarked by February 9, 2026, to be included in the calculation of Delaware’s prevailing wage rates. Contractors can submit forms or download materials through the Office of Construction Enforcement’s 2026 Prevailing Wage Survey portal.
State officials said both initiatives reflect a broader effort to modernize labor protections while strengthening Delaware’s economic competitiveness.
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