Paid Family and Medical Leave program begins in September

Twitter Facebook

A new state-mandated paid family and medical leave program will be available to University of Oregon employees beginning in September.

The program will provide pay for time off from work for certain family and medical reasons. The UO’s program will be administered by The Standard and will be called Paid Family and Medical Leave.

Contributions begin and benefits become available in September. Employees will make their first contribution through payroll deduction for the program with their Sept. 30 paycheck. The contribution rate matches the state plan as a percentage of wages and is set at 1 percent for 2023.

The rate is jointly funded by the employee and the university. The employee pays 60 percent of the tax and the UO pays the remaining 40 percent. The HR website provides more information about contributions and includes an example to help employees calculate their individual payroll deduction.  

Employees may begin the Paid Family and Medical Leave claims process starting Aug. 14 for qualifying absences that will occur Sept. 3 or later. Time off for absences related to the birth or adoption of a child; one’s own or a loved one’s serious illness; or due to sexual assault, domestic violence, harassment or stalking may be eligible.

Once eligibility and qualifying claims status are confirmed, The Standard will notify the UO Benefits Office to verify employment information. Instructions are provided on the HR website. 

The Standard is also the university’s disability insurance provider, with experience managing similar plans. It is well-positioned to provide accurate and timely service and claims processing support for UO employees.

Employees with questions about leave eligibility or their individual claim application should contact The Standard’s Services Center at 1-800-842-1888 with the University of Oregon policy number 762384 for reference.  

General questions about the UO program can be answered by information provided on the HR website, the program notice, frequently asked questions or by emailing a UO leaves representative at uopaidleave@uoregon.edu.