Colorado, Oregon, and Maine announce updates to the state average weekly wage — how this impacts Paid Family and Medical Leave

In the last few weeks, three states announced changes to their state average weekly wage (SAWW). Here’s what you need to know about these changes and how they impact the benefit calculations for state paid leave.

Colorado Paid Family and Medical Leave (CO PFML)

Currently, the SAWW is $1,534.94. Effective July 1, 2026, the SAWW will be $1,608.91.

The new SAWW applies to all leaves:

1. That begin on or after July 1, 2026.

2. In progress on July 1, 2026 (e.g., leave began June 17, 2026 and continued past July 1, 2026).

The benefit calculation is:

• 90% of the portion of the employee’s average weekly wage equal to or less than 50% of the SAWW, plus 50% of the portion of the employee’s average weekly wage that is more than 50% of the SAWW.

• The weekly maximum benefit will change from $1,381.45 to $1,448.02.

• For more information, please see Colorado 2026 Max Benefits Order | Powered by Box.

Oregon Paid Family and Medical Leave (OR PFML)

Currently, the SAWW is $1,363.80. The new SAWW is $1,410.13. This impacts new claims with benefit years beginning June 28, 2026, or later.

The benefit calculation is:

• 100% of the portion of the employee’s average weekly wage equal to or less than 65% of the SAWW, plus 50% of the portion of the employee’s average weekly wage that is more than 65% of the SAWW.

• The weekly maximum benefit is $1,692.16 (120% of the SAWW). The minimum weekly benefit is $70.51 (5% of the SAWW).

• For more information, please see Oregon SAWW Press Release.

Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave (ME PFML)

Currently, the SAWW is $1,198.84. The new SAWW is $1,249.12. The new SAWW takes effect July 1, 2026, for all purposes such as eligibility, benefit calculations, and max weekly benefit.

The rules state in relevant part: “For the purposes of these calculations, the state average weekly wage is that which was published effective on the July 1 immediately preceding the date of application for benefits or of the start of the leave, whichever is earlier.”

The benefit calculation is:

• 90% of the portion of the employee’s average weekly wage equal to or less than 50% of the SAWW, plus 66% of the portion of the employee’s average weekly wage that is more than 50% of the SAWW.

• The weekly maximum benefit is $1,249.12 (100% of the SAWW). Maine announced its SAWW changes via its email distribution list.

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