How self-employed Paid Leave works

As a self-employed Washingtonian, you’re not required to participate in the program, but if you elect coverage you’ll pay quarterly premiums and have access to up to 12 weeks of paid time off a year to care for yourself or a family member—or 16 weeks for combined medical and family leave, or 18 weeks if you experience pregnancy- or birth-related complications.

You are self-employed if you are:

• A sole proprietor
• A joint venturer or a member of a partnership
• A member of a limited liability company (LLC)
• An independent contractor (as described in RCW 50A.05.010 (8)(b)(iii))
• Otherwise in business for yourself

You are NOT self-employed if you are a corporate officer or own a corporation. If this is your situation, you are required to withhold premiums and report yourself with all of your other employees. See Employer section.

NEW! Learn more about 2024 premiums

When you opt in to Paid Family and Medical Leave, you agree to pay the employee share of the Paid Family and Medical Leave premium (about 0.58% of your income) for three years. After that, you choose whether you want to continue participating on a yearly basis.

Once you opt in, you will need to report your wages/earnings every quarter.
For self-employed people, the state determines your hours worked by dividing your reported wages by the state minimum wage. The result needs to equal at least 820 or more. (If you’ve earned at least $12,906 in the last year, you are eligible.)

Log in here to create an elective coverage account, file your quarterly report and pay your premiums.

After you opt-in, your elective coverage becomes effective at the start of the following quarter:

• Once that first quarter of coverage is complete, you will be able to file wage reports and pay premiums.
• We will calculate your hours worked.

After you have completed your first quarter of coverage, you’ll be eligible to receive benefits if you:

• Worked 820 hours or more after your elective coverage became effective,
• Have 820 hours or more in your qualifying period, and
• Have a qualifying event.