Oregon Paternity Leave

2026 Guide to Leave Benefits for Fathers

Paid Bonding Leave Available

📋 Bonding Leave for Fathers

Paid Leave Oregon
Bonding Leave 12 weeks
Wage Replacement ~100%
Max Weekly Benefit $1,637

100% up to 65% SAWW (~$886/wk), then 50% above. 12 weeks + 2 additional for pregnancy/childbirth (14 total). One of the most generous state programs.

ℹ️ What About Medical Leave?

Birth mothers in Oregon 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.

See full Oregon maternity leave benefits →

🏛️ FMLA for Fathers in Oregon

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.

Oregon'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.

Visit Oregon's Official Program Website →

📊 Paternity Leave Facts

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50% of Fathers Take Leave

About half of first-time fathers now take some form of paid leave, up from just 23% before 1994.

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Average: Under 2 Weeks

64% of fathers who take leave take less than 2 weeks, largely because FMLA leave is unpaid. Paid programs lead to longer leaves.

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Proven Benefits

Research shows paternity leave leads to better father-child bonding, improved maternal mental health, and longer breastfeeding duration.

Plan Your Oregon Paternity Leave

Build a personalized leave timeline with income estimates based on your state benefits, FMLA, and PTO.

Calculate My Leave Plan →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is paternity leave in Oregon?

Fathers in Oregon can take 12 weeks of paid bonding leave through Paid Leave Oregon at approximately 100% wage replacement, up to $1637/week. Birth mothers may qualify for additional medical leave on top of bonding leave.

Is paternity leave paid in Oregon?

Yes. Oregon's Paid Leave Oregon 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 Oregon?

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 Oregon's paid leave — you get paid during your FMLA-protected time.

Can both parents take leave at the same time in Oregon?

Yes. Each parent has their own individual leave entitlement under Oregon's Paid Leave Oregon. 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 Oregon paid leave cover adoptive fathers?

Yes. Oregon's Paid Leave Oregon 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 Oregon?

Under Paid Leave Oregon, 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.

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.