It’s a state program under the Healthy Delaware Families Act.
The purpose is to give workers financial support when they need time off from work for serious life-events (health issues, caring for family, etc.).
Who’s Eligible/ Requirements
Must have been employed for at least 1 year with the same employer.
Must have worked at least 1,250 hours with that employer.
Also, there must be a qualifying event that lasts at least 7 days.
The Types of Leaves Covered
If leave is approved, the program allows up to 80% of wages (with a cap of $900 per week).
The leave can be for the following reasons:
To care for a new child;
Maximum Duration: up to 12 weeks per year.
To care for a family member with serious health condition;
Maximum Duration: up to 6 weeks every 24 months.
For your own serious health condition or injury;
Maximum Duration: up to 6 weeks every 24 months.
To assist while a loved one is on overseas military deployment;
Maximum Duration: up to 6 weeks every 24 months.
Overall, employees can take up to 12 weeks of combined leave per year.
Who Must participate (Employers)
Most businesses with 10 or more employees working in Delaware are required to participate.
Some exemptions/include:
Employers with 9 or fewer employees are exempt.
Employers with 10-24 employees are required to provide parental leave only under the program.
Employers with 25 or more employees provide full coverage.
Federal government employees are exempt.
Seasonal operations that shut down for a month or more are exempt.
When Does It Go Into Effect
Contributions started January 1, 2025.
Employees will be able to submit claims beginning Jan 1, 2026.
Some other key deadlines:
April 30, 2025: first quarterly Hours & Wage Report due.
July 30, 2025: first and second quarterly contributions submission.
Cost/ Contributions
The program is funded via contributions, which amount to less than 1% of an employee’s weekly salary. Maryland is building a similar program, outlined in the Maryland FAMLI summary. Minnesota’s program started January 1, 2026, as covered in the Minnesota Paid Leave update.
Employers may require employees to pay up to half of the cost.
For information on LeaveSource by Qcera please contact our leave team at leaveteam@qcera.com | Leave Management Software.
