District of Columbia Paternity Leave
2026 Guide to Leave Benefits for Fathers
Bonding Leave for Fathers
12 weeks parental + 2 weeks prenatal leave. 90% up to 150% of min wage, 50% above. All private-sector DC employees eligible.
What About Medical Leave?
Birth mothers in District of Columbia may qualify for additional medical leave (up to 12 weeks) for pregnancy recovery on top of bonding leave. Fathers and non-birth parents qualify for bonding leave only.
FMLA for Fathers in District of Columbia
Federal FMLA provides fathers with 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected bonding leave. FMLA is gender-neutral — fathers have the same entitlement as mothers for bonding with a new child.
District of Columbia's paid bonding leave runs concurrently with FMLA — you get paid during your FMLA-protected time, but it doesn't add extra weeks on top.
Eligibility: Employer with 50+ employees within 75 miles, 12+ months employed, 1,250+ hours worked in the past year.
How to Apply
Notify your employer at least 30 days before your planned leave date. File your state benefit claim through the official program.
Paternity Leave Facts
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Calculate My Leave Plan →Frequently Asked Questions
How long is paternity leave in District of Columbia?
Fathers in District of Columbia can take 12 weeks of paid bonding leave through DC Universal Paid Leave at approximately 90% wage replacement, up to $1153/week. Birth mothers may qualify for additional medical leave on top of bonding leave.
Is paternity leave paid in District of Columbia?
Yes. District of Columbia's DC Universal Paid Leave provides paid bonding leave to all new parents, including fathers, adoptive parents, and same-sex partners. The benefit is gender-neutral — fathers receive the same bonding leave as mothers. This is separate from the medical/disability leave that only birth mothers receive for physical recovery.
Do fathers qualify for FMLA in District of Columbia?
Yes. FMLA is gender-neutral and provides fathers with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected bonding leave. You must work for an employer with 50+ employees, have worked there for 12+ months, and have logged 1,250+ hours. FMLA runs concurrently with District of Columbia's paid leave — you get paid during your FMLA-protected time.
Can both parents take leave at the same time in District of Columbia?
Yes. Each parent has their own individual leave entitlement under District of Columbia's DC Universal Paid Leave. Both parents can take bonding leave simultaneously. The only exception is FMLA: if both parents work for the same employer, the employer may limit their combined FMLA bonding leave to 12 weeks total.
Does District of Columbia paid leave cover adoptive fathers?
Yes. District of Columbia's DC Universal Paid Leave covers bonding leave for all new parents, including adoptive fathers, foster parents, and same-sex partners. The bonding leave benefit is the same regardless of how the child joins your family.
What's the difference between maternity and paternity leave in District of Columbia?
Under DC Universal Paid Leave, bonding leave (12 weeks) is identical for both parents. Birth mothers can also take up to 12 weeks of medical leave for pregnancy recovery, which fathers don't qualify for. The combined cap may differ for birth parents vs. non-birth parents.
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This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Benefit amounts and eligibility requirements change periodically. Always verify current details with your state's official program and your employer's HR department.