How is UO administering Paid Family and Medical Leave?

The University of Oregon has contracted with The Standard to administer it's state-mandated paid leave program, which is called Paid Family and Medical Leave. The Standard currently administers the UO's short-and long-term disability programs. 

What is Paid Family and Medical Leave?

PFML is a State of Oregon mandated program that ensures individuals, employers, and families have the time and support they need to care for themselves and their loved ones when life's important moments affect their health and safety.

Who's covered by Paid Family and Medical Leave?

All actively working and contributing full and part time workers who work for an Oregon employer. This includes faculty, officers of administration, classified, graduate, temporary and student employees. 

What does Paid Family and Medical Leave provide?

PFML provides a weekly wage replacement for up to 12 weeks of medical, family, or safe leave in a 52-week period starting from the day your leave begins. An additional 2 weeks, for a total of 14 weeks, of family leave is available for limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition, including but not limited to lactation.

What types of leave will be covered under Paid Family and Medical Leave?

PFML provides paid time off for:
Family Leave 
Caring for members of your family:

• During the birth of a child
• Bonding with a child in the first year:
• After birth
• Through adoption
• Placement for foster care
• With serious health condition

Medical Leave 
To care for yourself when you have:

• A serious health condition

Safe Leave
For survivors of:

• Sexual assault
• Domestic violence
• Harassment
• Stalking

Who is considered a family member under Paid Family and Medical Leave?

A family member is defined by state law and can be any of the following:

• Your spouse or domestic partner
• Your child (biological, adopted, stepchild, or foster child), your spouse or domestic partner’s child, or the child’s spouse or domestic partner
• Your parent (biological, adoptive, stepparent, foster parent, or legal guardian), the parent of your spouse or domestic partner, or your parent’s spouse or domestic partner
• Your sibling or stepsibling or their spouse or domestic partner
• Your grandparent or your grandparent’s spouse or domestic partner
• Your grandchild or your grandchild’s spouse or domestic partner
• Anyone you are related to by blood or affinity, whose close association with a covered individual is the equivalent of a family relationship.

What is The Standard's role in administering Paid Family and Medical Leave?

The Standard will provide eligibility determination, claims processing and benefit payment to employees. 

How do I file a claim for benefits?

Employees may begin filing claims for benefits on August 14, 2023, for leaves effective September 3, 2023 or later, directly with The Standard by calling 800-242-1888 and referencing policy number 762384-Z.

What information will I need to provide The Standard at the time I file my claim?

The Standard will walk you through the process during your call; however, you will want to refer to policy #762384-Z. You will also need to provide your name, employer, type of leave requesting, dates of your leave and healthcare provider name and contact information. 

Do I need to notify my supervisor or Human Resources if I plan to take leave under Paid Family and Medical Leave?

If your leave is foreseeable, you are required to file your claim with The Standard and notify your supervisor, in writing, 30 days in advance. If you do not give the required notice, your first weekly benefit may be reduced. In an emergency, you must notify your supervisor (this does not have to be in writing) that you plan to use Paid Leave within 24 hours. Follow up with a written notice to your supervisor within 3 days after starting leave.

When can I apply for benefits through Paid Family and Medical Leave?

Employees can apply for benefits beginning August 14, 2023 for leaves effective September 3, 2023.

How will benefits be paid?

Once you have filed a claim with The Standard, and the claim has been approved, benefits will be paid on a weekly basis directly from The Standard.

How is Paid Family and Medical Leave funded?

PFML is funded by payroll taxes. Employees contribute .6% of gross monthly wages per month. Employers contribute .4% of gross monthly wages per month. Example: If an employee’s monthly gross wage is $2,000; the UO would pay $8.00 per month, and the employee would pay $12.00 per month. 

When do contributions begin?

Employees will see the first monthly contribution deduction on their September 2023 paycheck. 

Can I opt out of contributing?

No. Per Oregon state law, eligible employees may not opt out of contributions. 

Are contributions taxable?

Contributions will be included in wages subject to Oregon tax and will be included on your W2. The IRS has not issued guidance regarding federal tax liability. 

Are benefits received taxable? 

Yes. Benefits received are considered taxable income. The IRS has not issued guidance regarding federal tax liability.

How does short term disability effect Paid Family and Medical Leave benefits?

Benefits received under your short term disability policy will offset your Oregon Paid Family and Medical leave benefits. 

Does Paid Family and Medical Leave cover employees that work remotely outside of Oregon?

The program does not cover employees that work remotely in other states.

Is Paid Family and Medical Leave available for a non-birthing parent?

Yes. A non-birthing parent may receive 12 weeks of paid family leave under Paid Family and Medical Leave. The leave must be used within one year of the birth. 

I had to take a leave without pay for a serious health condition prior to September 2023, and didn’t have accrued leave to cover my time away. Can I apply for retroactive benefits? 

No. If your leave for a serious health condition for you or a family member occurred prior to 9/3/2023, your are not eligible for benefits retroactively. 

Can I take 12 weeks of leave under FMLA/OFLA and then take my 12 weeks under Paid Family and Medical Leave? 

No. If you are eligible for FMLA/OFLA at the time you apply for Paid Family and Medical Leave, they will run concurrently. 

Will I receive health insurance while receiving Paid Family and Medical Leave benefits?

Health insurance will continue while on an approved Paid Family and Medical Leave claim. Employees will be responsible for paying their monthly premium share while on leave. Failure to pay the monthly premium may result in termination of coverage. 

Is my job protected while out on Paid Family and Medical Leave?

If you've worked for the UO for at least 90 days, your job will be protected. 

Can I take Paid Family and Medical Leave intermittently? 

Yes. Benefits may be taken in increments equal to one work day or one work week.

Am I required to apply for Paid Family and Medical Leave benefits if I need to take leave? 

Employees are not required to apply for benefits. However, employees pay into the program and are encouraged to apply.