Employment Law Update: Virginia Enacts Paid Family and Medical Leave
Date: April 23, 2026
By:
Caitlin E. Tobin
Under the new law, qualifying employees may take up to 12 weeks of paid time off per year at 80% of their average weekly wages, with a floor of $100 per week and a cap tied to the statewide average weekly earnings.
Employers should take note of several key dates and begin preparing now for compliance. The VEC will start collecting payroll contributions on April 1, 2028, with benefit payments and claims processing beginning on December 1, 2028. In the months ahead, the VEC will issue additional administrative guidance, including details on contribution rates, the claims process, and employer notice obligations.
In the meantime, employers should review their existing leave policies, evaluate how the new paid leave program will interact with any current benefits (such as short-term disability or parental leave), and ensure their payroll systems are ready to accommodate the new contribution requirements. Employers who are considering applying for a private-plan exemption will also want to review the program’s requirements closely, as the approval process requires demonstrating that the private plan meets or exceeds every aspect of the state-run program.
We will continue to monitor developments as the VEC rolls out the program. Please contact Whiteford’s Labor and Employment attorneys with any questions or for assistance with preparing for compliance.
The information contained here is not intended to provide legal advice or opinion and should not be acted upon without consulting an attorney. Counsel should not be selected based on advertising materials, and we recommend that you conduct further investigation when seeking legal representation.