Maryland To Begin Forced Payroll Deductions For Family Leave Benefits Workers Cannot Access

Clear Facts

• Maryland will begin mandatory payroll deductions in 2027 for paid family leave benefits
• The benefits remain unavailable until 2028
• Former Maryland gubernatorial candidate Dan Cox has criticized the policy

Maryland state government will require employers to begin collecting payroll deductions starting in 2027 for a paid family leave program. The actual benefits under this program will not become available to workers until the following year.

Critics argue this amounts to a forced extraction of wages from workers for services they cannot use. The policy places additional financial pressure on Maryland families already facing inflation and higher living costs.

“This is just another example of government reaching into workers’ pockets before delivering anything in return,” said Dan Cox.

The timing of the deductions before benefits begin has raised concerns about government efficiency and accountability. Workers will see reduced take-home pay with no immediate access to the promised family leave program.

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