If you've had a baby or adopted or fostered a child in the last year, you likely qualify for 12 to 14 weeks of partially paid, job-protected leave through Oregon's state program. Here's exactly what you need to know.
What Is Paid Leave Oregon?
Paid Leave Oregon is a state-run program that provides eligible workers with partially paid, job-protected time off for major life events — including welcoming a new child, recovering from a serious medical condition, or caring for a seriously ill family member.
For new and expecting parents, it's one of the most valuable benefits Oregon has to offer — and most working Oregonians qualify without even realizing it.
In addition to parental bonding leave, Paid Leave Oregon also covers:
- You have a serious medical condition and are unable to work
- A family member has a serious medical condition and you need to care for them
- You or your child are a victim of sexual assault, domestic violence, harassment, or stalking
Who Qualifies for Paid Leave Oregon?
Any working Oregonian who is expecting a new addition to their family — regardless of gender or how they're becoming a parent — can qualify for job-protected, partially paid leave through Paid Leave Oregon.
To qualify, you must have earned at least $1,000 in the year before you apply for benefits. That's it. There's no minimum hours requirement and no employer size threshold for employees.
All new parents qualify — whether you're welcoming a child through birth, adoption, or foster placement.
How Much Does Paid Leave Oregon Pay?
The amount you receive each week depends on how your wages compare to Oregon's statewide average weekly wage.
- If you earn at or below 65% of Oregon's average weekly wage, you receive 100% wage replacement — meaning your full paycheck.
- If you earn above 65% of the state average, you receive a percentage of your wages on a sliding scale.
- The maximum weekly benefit is $1,636.56 (effective July 6, 2025 through June 2026).
- The minimum weekly benefit is $68.19 per week, even if your wages were lower than that during the qualifying period.
Use Oregon's Benefits Estimate Calculator on the Paid Leave Oregon website to get a personalized estimate of your weekly benefit amount.
Oregon Paid Parental Leave: At a Glance
How Many Weeks Can New Parents Take?
Paid Leave Oregon allows eligible new parents to take up to 12 weeks of leave per year to bond with a new child — whether through birth, adoption, or foster placement.
If both parents work for eligible employers, they can each take their own 12 weeks, for a combined total of up to 24 weeks of paid leave between them.
Birthing parents may qualify for 2 additional weeks if they have health needs related to pregnancy or childbirth — bringing their total to 14 weeks.
Your leave can be taken all at once or intermittently in day or weekly increments. All leave must be used within 52 weeks of the date your leave begins — so make sure you use it before your child turns one.
Does Paid Leave Oregon Provide Job Protection?
Yes — as long as you've been with your employer for at least 90 consecutive days, your job is legally protected while you're receiving Paid Leave Oregon benefits. Your employer cannot fire you, demote you, or discriminate against you for taking leave through this program.
How to Apply for Paid Leave Oregon
Applications are submitted through Frances Online, Oregon's benefits portal. You can create an account, apply for benefits, check your claim status, and make updates to your claim all in one place.
Important timing to know:
- You can apply as early as 30 days before your leave begins.
- You must apply no later than 30 days after your leave has started.
- If you're pregnant, apply before your due date — babies don't always arrive on schedule.
Not Sure How to Navigate Your Oregon Parental Leave?
Knowing you qualify is just the first step. Actually filing your claim, timing your leave correctly, and making sure you're maximizing every week of paid time off — that's where things get complicated.
That's exactly what Hello Bundle is here for. Book a free intro call, and we'll walk through your specific situation together — so you can feel confident going into your leave knowing you haven't left a single dollar or a single day on the table.
Looking for support in another state? See where Hello Bundle helps parents across the U.S.
