DoD issued interim guidance this week to implement the new Paid Parental Leave (PPL) benefit for civilian employees. The new benefit became effective October 1st and provides eligible employees with 12 administrative work weeks of PPL to covered employees for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. The new benefit is similar to the Parental Leave Program implemented for active duty members in 2017.

Eligibility is determined by reference to the provisions of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and those who are covered may elect to substitute up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave for unpaid FMLA leave, for the purpose of caring for a son or daughter. Covered employees must use the paid parental leave within 12 months of the date of birth or placement of a child. PPL is not retroactive and may only be used to cover absences for qualified births or adoptions that occur after October 1, 2020.

Although the notice and guidance are in draft format, we do not expect much to change when the final documents are published sometime after November 4, 2020. It is important to note that employees are eligible to use PPL now. The guidance below is merely a procedural matter:

- DoD Memo on Paid Parental Leave (Draft)

- DoD Interim Implementation Guidance for PPL (Draft)

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us.