Press Release: Paid Leave Oregon Surpasses $1 Billion In Benefits Paid To Oregon Workers (Photo) -03/11/25
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2025
Contact:
jack.h.patterson@employ.or.gov
Paid Leave Oregon Surpasses $1 Billion in Benefits Paid to Oregon Workers
March 11, 2025 (Salem, OR) — As of March 11, Paid Leave Oregon has delivered more than $1 billion in benefits to Oregon workers, marking a significant milestone in supporting people and families across the state. To date, over 150,000 people have received Paid Leave benefits.
"This milestone is a measure of the state's commitment to supporting Oregon's workforce," said David Gerstenfeld, Director of the Oregon Employment Department. "$1 billion in benefits demonstrates the significant impact this program has had, not only on employees and their families, but also on Oregon businesses and the broader economy. By providing financial security during critical times, Paid Leave Oregon helps employers retain workers, reduce turnover costs, and strengthen the economic stability of communities across the state."
"Paid Leave Oregon makes our state healthier, happier, and more prosperous by ensuring people don't have to choose between their health, their families, and their paychecks," said Karen Madden Humelbaugh, Director of Paid Leave Oregon. "Reaching the $1 billion mark shows that we've built something stable and strong. Whether they are recovering from an illness, welcoming a new child, or caring for a loved one, Oregonians can count on Paid Leave Oregon to be there for them during life's most important moments."
Paid Leave Oregon continues to be a national model for state-administered paid leave programs, ensuring equitable access to benefits for workers. The program is funded through contributions from employers and employees, ensuring a sustainable and robust support system for Oregonians who take paid leave.
Every dollar goes to someone facing a serious health condition, caring for a family member, bonding with a new child, or dealing with the impacts of domestic violence, stalking, harassment, or sexual assault.
Since its launch in January 2023, Paid Leave has paid benefits to more than 150,000 Oregonians. Of the approved applications, 45% have been for medical leave, 28% for bonding with a new child, 14% to care for a family member with a serious health condition, 12% for leave due to pregnancy, and 1% for safe leave.
Paid Leave Oregon continues to expand its outreach and services to ensure more workers and businesses understand and use the program when they need it. For more information, visit paidleave.oregon.gov.
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The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. OED provides free help so you can use our services. Some examples are sign language and spoken-language interpreters, written materials in other languages, large print, audio, and other formats. To get help, please call 503-947-1444. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to communications@employ.oregon.gov.
El Departamento de Empleo de Oregon (OED) es una agencia de igualdad de oportunidades. El OED proporciona ayuda gratuita para que usted pueda utilizar nuestros servicios. Algunos ejemplos son intérpretes de lengua de señas e idiomas hablados, materiales escritos en otros idiomas, letra grande, audio y otros formatos. Para obtener ayuda, por favor llame al 503-947-1444. Usuarios de TTY pueden llamar al 711. También puede enviar un correo electrónico a communications@employ.oregon.gov.