Optwell Washington Paid Leave Opt-In Kept in this browser Demo
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Is It Worth It
Quarters
What opting in costs, what it would pay, and every quarter's report kept for the three years
Is It Worth It
The premium on your earnings, the weekly benefit from your two best quarters, and the leave it would take to come out ahead.
 
Quarters
Each quarter's earnings, hours and premium paid; the 820 hours; the opt-in and the three years it runs.
 
These Records
Where they are kept, and how to hand them to your tax preparer.
 
Is It Worth It×

Washington lets a self-employed person - a dancer working for herself, a creator, a performer - opt in to Paid Family and Medical Leave for an initial three years, paying the worker's share of the premium on their earnings. In 2026 the premium is 1.13% of earnings and the worker's share is 71.43% of it. The weekly benefit comes from the two best quarters of the last four: 90% of the average weekly wage up to half the state's average, plus 50% above that, from $100 to $1,647 a week. Up to 12 weeks for family leave, 12 for your own illness, 16 together. You need 820 hours of work in Washington over the past year. The rates change every year - update them below when ESD announces the next.

Quarters×

Once you opt in you report your earnings and hours each quarter and pay the premium on them. Coverage runs at least three years; you cannot leave it sooner.

These Records×
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