Quick Answer
Connecticut PFL (Paid Family Leave) is a payroll deduction of 0.5% of wages up to $160,200 annually (2026). This equals a maximum of $801 per year, or about $31 per biweekly paycheck for higher earners. It provides up to 12 weeks of partial wage replacement for family and medical leave.
Best Answer
Sarah Chen, Payroll Tax Analyst
Connecticut workers who see PFL on their paystub and want to understand the deduction amount and benefits
What is Connecticut PFL and how much does it cost?
Connecticut Paid Family Leave (PFL) is a state-mandated program that provides partial wage replacement when you need time off for family or medical reasons. The deduction is 0.5% of your wages, capped at Connecticut's Social Security wage base of $160,200 for 2026.
This means you pay:
Example: How much PFL costs by salary level
Let's calculate the actual impact on different salary levels:
What Connecticut PFL covers
Your PFL contributions give you access to:
Key factors that affect your PFL deduction
What you should do
Check your paystub to verify your PFL deduction is correct: multiply your gross wages by 0.005 (0.5%). If you have multiple Connecticut jobs, keep track of total PFL paid across all employers to ensure you don't overpay.
Use our paycheck calculator to see exactly how Connecticut PFL affects your take-home pay alongside federal and state income taxes.
Key takeaway: Connecticut PFL costs 0.5% of wages up to $160,200 annually ($801 maximum), providing valuable family and medical leave benefits that replace up to 95% of your weekly wages.
Key Takeaway: Connecticut PFL costs 0.5% of wages up to $160,200 annually ($801 maximum), providing up to 12 weeks of partial wage replacement for family and medical leave.
Connecticut PFL deduction by salary level showing annual cost and per-paycheck impact
| Annual Salary | PFL Deduction (Annual) | Per Biweekly Paycheck | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $200 | $7.69 | $16.67 |
| $60,000 | $300 | $11.54 | $25.00 |
| $80,000 | $400 | $15.38 | $33.33 |
| $120,000 | $600 | $23.08 | $50.00 |
| $160,200+ | $801 (max) | $30.81 | $66.75 |
More Perspectives
Sarah Chen, Payroll Tax Analyst
New Connecticut workers seeing PFL deduction for the first time and wondering if it's worth the cost
Is Connecticut PFL worth it for entry-level workers?
As a new employee, you might wonder if the PFL deduction is worth paying, especially when you're trying to maximize your take-home pay. Here's what you need to know:
For entry-level salaries, PFL is relatively affordable:
Why PFL matters early in your career
Life happens at any age:
The benefit calculation:
PFL replaces up to 95% of your average weekly wage. For a $35,000 salary ($673/week), you'd receive approximately $639/week during qualifying leave—much better than unpaid FMLA.
What this means for your budget
PFL is mandatory, so it's automatically deducted like Social Security and Medicare. Think of it as insurance—you hope you won't need it, but you'll be grateful it's there if you do. The cost is minimal compared to the financial protection it provides.
Key takeaway: For entry-level workers, Connecticut PFL costs under $200/year but provides crucial income protection during family and medical emergencies when you can least afford unpaid time off.
Key Takeaway: For entry-level workers, Connecticut PFL costs under $200/year but provides crucial income protection during family and medical emergencies when you can least afford unpaid time off.
Sources
- Connecticut Paid Family and Medical Leave Act — Official Connecticut PFML program information and benefit details
- IRS Publication 15 — Employer's Tax Guide for payroll tax information
Reviewed by Sarah Chen, Payroll Tax Analyst on February 28, 2026
This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation.