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e-Alert – Massachusetts Extends Employee Notification and Exemption Application Deadlines Under New Paid Family and Medical Leave Law

By May 15, 2019No Comments

Background

Massachusetts employers will soon be required to offer paid family and medical leave to their employees under the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave Act (PFML). Though workers will not be eligible to take PFML until January 1, 2021, employers are required to comply with some of the law’s key provisions in the coming weeks. You can learn more in our upcoming webinar which you can register for here.

Deadline Updates

  1. Employers will now have additional time to consider private plan options. The Massachusetts Department of Family and Medical Leave (DFML) has extended the deadline to apply for and obtain an exemption from remitting first quarter (July 1 – September 30, 2019) PFML contributions from June 30 to September 20, 2019.
  2. The DFML also extended, from May 31 to June 30, 2019, the deadline to notify all current employees and independent contractors of the new law. The DFML has posted notice templates on its website here. Employee notices may be electronically distributed and must include a mechanism for the employee to acknowledge (or decline to acknowledge) receipt of the information.
  3. Employers are still required to begin withholding PFML payroll deductions on July 1, 2019, unless an employer obtains an exemption from the DFML before that date.

Employer Next Steps

  • Use the template notice to inform your employees and independent contractors of their rights under the new law by June 30, 2019.
  • Use the template poster available here and post it in your workplace by June 30, 2019.
  • Work with your current payroll provider to set up the tax calculations through payroll.

  • If you are a current client of HR Knowledge, we have prepared a tool kit to help you prepare for this new law; please email us for a copy. If you are not a current client but interested in learning more about our services please email us.

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For almost twenty years, HR Knowledge has made it our mission to demystify the complex and daunting process of HR management. We do more than just provide the level of service and technology you’d expect from an industry leader. We combine an unparalleled passion for service with our decades of HR, payroll, and benefits experience to provide our clients with personalized and actionable advice that is second—to—none. From managed payroll to employee benefits to HR support, we can help your organization thrive, grow, and reduce operating costs — no matter what industry you serve. Whether you’re interested in our Full-Service solution or just need your employee handbook written, HR Knowledge can help you minimize risk while staying on top of compliance regulations. The bottom line? We’re not just another cloud-based technology company that also does HR, #WeAreHR.

This content is provided with the understanding that HR Knowledge is not rendering legal advice. While every effort is made to provide current information, the law changes regularly and laws may vary depending on the state or municipality. The material is made available for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice or your professional judgment. You should review applicable laws in your jurisdiction and consult experienced counsel for legal advice. If you have any questions regarding this content, please contact HR Knowledge at 508.339.1300 or email us.

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