How Vermont FMLI works out your benefit
The State of Vermont chose The Hartford to insure the program. State employees have been covered since July 2023; private employers can buy group plans; and since 2025 workers whose employer offers no coverage, and the self-employed, can buy it through the Individual Purchasing Program.
An individual policy pays 60% of your average weekly wage — your last full year’s W-2 wages (or self-employment income) divided by 52 — up to $2,031.92 a week. The six weeks are a combined total for all reasons in a 52-week period, and payments begin on day 8, except for bonding that immediately follows a childbirth medical leave.
Enrollment for individuals runs May 1–31, coverage starts July 1, and benefits become available after a six-month eligibility wait — on the following January 1.
Vermont figures by date
| Window | Weekly maximum | Other figures | Your contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026 | $2,031.92 | — | See note below |
Premiums are quoted individually by The Hartford, or set by your employer’s plan, so there is no single rate to show.
After the last window, the calculator switches to an explicit “enter the official figure” mode rather than reusing an old maximum.
Worked example
Take a worker paid $60,000 a year with steady pay, taking 6 weeks off (bonding with a new child) from Oct 5, 2026, when the figures for Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026 apply. Vermont FMLI uses the last full year’s W-2 wages ÷ 52: $1,153.85.
The formula gives 60% × $1,153.85 = $692.31: a weekly benefit of $692.31, or 60% of their usual weekly pay. The first week is an unpaid waiting week, so 5 paid weeks come to $3,461.55.
At $200,000 a year, the same leave pays $2,031.92 a week — the maximum, 53% of that worker’s weekly pay.
What catches people out in Vermont
- Employer plans can be designed differently — check your certificate before relying on these numbers.
- State employees cannot use the individual program; they are covered through the state’s own plan.
- There is no payroll tax. Premiums are quoted individually, so the calculator shows no contribution.
Official Vermont resources
Related programs
New Hampshire runs the other voluntary state plan.
Sources for this page
- The Hartford (State of Vermont’s selected insurer): Vermont FMLI Individual Purchasing Program. Supplies: 60% of average weekly wages; maximum $2,031.92 a week; 6 weeks combined in 52; benefits from day 8; enrollment rules. Checked .
- Office of Governor Phil Scott: Governor launches voluntary paid family and medical leave program. Supplies: Program design: state employees from July 2023, employers 2024, individuals 2025; 60% for six weeks. Checked .
Figures on this page verified . Spotted a difference from your agency’s notice? Report a correction.