Paid Leave Oregon

Paid Leave Oregon is a new state insurance program that allows employees working in Oregon to take paid time off for certain life events. When you are ready to file for your leave of absence, review the information below and follow the steps.

Notify your direct leader of your need to take time away.
File a leave of absence request with Lincoln Financial at 1-800-451-2967 or online at mylincolnportal.com.
Review the information below regarding Paid Leave Oregon and on the Paid Leave Oregon website. Beginning August 14, you can create your account through Frances Online and file your Paid Leave Oregon Claim. Paid Leave Oregon benefits will be effective September 3.

Who is eligible for Paid Leave Oregon?

You’re eligible for Paid Leave Oregon if you work for an employer in Oregon and have earned at least $1,000 during the year prior to claiming paid leave and have a life event that qualifies you.

What types of life events qualify under Paid Leave Oregon?

Paid leave can be taken for the following events:

Family leave

Birth of child
Bonding with a child:
- In the first year after birth
- After adoption
- Placement in home through foster care
To care for a family member with a serious illness or injury

Medical leave

To care for yourself when you have a serious health condition.

Safe leave

For survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, harassment or stalking.

What are the benefits under Paid Leave Oregon?

Employees can apply for paid leave benefits starting September 3, 2023.

You can take up to 12 weeks of paid leave in a 52-week period (starting from the day your leave begins). You can take a week or a single day off at a time based on your serious health condition needs.
You may be able to take up to two additional weeks (up to 14 total weeks) if you are pregnant, have given birth or have health needs because of childbirth.
Your job is protected by law while you’re on paid leave if you have worked for at least 90 consecutive days.
Paid Leave Oregon pays you directly every week while you are on leave.
- If you are eligible for REI’s disability programs (short term disability or salary continuation), you will receive pay from REI, which will be offset (reduced) by the amount you are expected to receive from Paid leave Oregon. This means that a portion of pay will be issued through REI payroll, and the other directly through Paid Leave Oregon.

What is the paid benefit under Paid Leave Oregon?

Paid Leave Oregon calculates benefits based on wages and income you earned in the prior year, so every employee’s benefit amount will be different. The maximum amount that you may receive is 120% of the state’s average weekly wage, or the average amount employees throughout the state earn. The state’s average weekly wage for 2023 is $1,224.82. Based on that, the minimum weekly benefit is $61.24, and the maximum weekly benefit is $1,469.78.

If you are eligible for REI’s disability programs (short term disability or salary continuation), you will receive disability pay from REI, which will be offset (reduced) by the amount you are expected to receive from Paid Leave Oregon. This means that a portion of pay will be issued through REI payroll, and the other directly through Paid Leave Oregon.

How do I apply for Oregon Paid Leave benefits?

In September 2023, you can apply for leave through Frances Online or request a paper application. Paid Leave Oregon also has a resources directory if you need support.

In addition to filing with Paid Leave Oregon, you will also need to file your leave of absence with Lincoln Financial by calling the Health Guide at 1-800-451-2967 or visiting mylincolnportal.com.

What information do I need to apply for Paid Leave Oregon?

The documents you need will vary depending on the reason for your leave.

For medical leave: You will need to have a few documents ready before you apply. You will need one of the following:

Hospital admission form
Proof of your serious health condition from a health care provider that includes a brief description of the condition and the dates it started and ended

For family leave: You will need at least one of the following:

A copy of the child’s birth certificate
Hospital admission form
Copy of court order or letter from placement agency
Proof of your family member’s serious health condition from a health care provider that includes a brief description of the condition and the dates it started and ended

For safe leave: You will need at least one of the following:

A copy of a police report
A formal complaint to a school’s Title IX coordinator
A copy of a protective order
Other evidence from a court, administrative agency, school’s Title IX coordinator or attorney
Other documents from an attorney, law enforcement officer, health care provider, licensed mental health professional or counselor, member of the clergy or victim services provider

If you have difficulty getting these documents or have concerns about safety, you can give a written statement confirming you qualify for safe leave.

FAQs

What is considered a serious health condition under Paid Leave Oregon?

A serious health condition is an illness, injury, impairment, or physical or mental condition that:

Requires inpatient care
Poses an imminent danger of death or possibility of death in the near future
Requires constant or continuing care
Involves a period of incapacity
Involves multiple treatments
Involves a period of disability due to pregnancy

Find the complete definition of a serious health condition here.

Who is considered a qualifying family member under Paid Leave Oregon?

A family member under Paid Leave Oregon 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
Anyone who is connected to you and has a family relationship