Paid FMLA in WA How it effects employees and small business owners Antik LLC – Steve Losee and Dustin Noel

What is it? Passed by WA legislature in 2017 Premium collection starting in 2019 Benefits available in 2020 Helps people who need to take time away from their job to Spend time with a newborn child Heal from a Sickness/Injury Take care of a Sick/Injured family member Support an aging parent

Who does it help? Anyone who is employed in the state of WA Have worked 820 hours per quarter for the last 4 quarters Exceptions Self-Employed Individuals (may opt out) Federal Employees Federally recognized Tribal Members

What does it provide? After a qualifying event Weekly wage benefits Max $1000 Min $100 Up to 12 weeks (18 in special circumstance) Up to 90% of your average wages over the past 12 months After 3 day wait period

What does it cost The cost of this benefit is .4% of the employees net income Employee covers 63% of the cost (payroll deduction) Business owner covers 37% of the cost (Payroll tax) Example Employee makes 50,000 a year Worker pays $2.44/week Employer pays $1.41/week Worker would receive $778 per week while on claim

How does it effect the employer? Employers Must now budget and pay for the program How much are they going to pay? Minimum 37% Employers must report Hours and Wages First report is due 4/1/19

What does this mean for AB We will most likely sell less STD insurance Employers will see less need to offer it because “the state gives it to them” The STD insurance that we sell will be different Longer elimination Longer benefit Less Premium

How to talk about it Be knowledgable Know where to direct them Paidleave.wa.gov Be an Advocate – Help your business owners prepare