Required Employee Benefits by State (2026)
Every state requires employers to carry unemployment insurance, and nearly all require workers' compensation. Beyond that, requirements vary dramatically. Some states mandate disability insurance, paid family leave, paid sick leave, and even employer health insurance. This hub helps you see exactly what your state requires.
5
States require disability insurance
13
States/DC require paid family leave
22
States/DC require paid sick leave
2
States require employer health insurance
States Ranked by Number of Required Benefits
Most Required Benefits (5+)
5 states require 5 or more categories of mandated benefits
Moderate Requirements (3-4)
18 states require 3-4 categories of mandated benefits
States by Specific Mandate
State Disability Insurance
5 states require employers to provide temporary disability insurance
Paid Family Leave
13 states/DC require paid family and/or medical leave
- California(8 weeks)
- Colorado(12 weeks)
- Connecticut(12 weeks)
- Delaware(12 weeks)
- District of Columbia(12 weeks)
- Maryland(12 weeks)
- Massachusetts(12 weeks family / 20 weeks medical)
- Minnesota(12 weeks)
- New Jersey(12 weeks)
- New York(12 weeks)
- Oregon(12 weeks)
- Rhode Island(6 weeks)
- Washington(12 weeks)
Paid Sick Leave
22 states/DC require paid sick leave
Employer Health Insurance Mandate
2 states require employers to provide health insurance
- Hawaii- Hawaii Prepaid Health Care Act (1974) requires employers to provide health insurance to employees working 20+ hours/week for 4+ consecutive weeks. One of the only states with an employer health insurance mandate.
- Massachusetts- Massachusetts requires employers with 11+ full-time equivalent employees to make a 'fair and reasonable' contribution toward employee health insurance or face a Fair Share Contribution penalty.
Benefits sections
All States A–Z
Related Resources on This Site
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- Business Owners Policybusiness owners policy (BOP)
- Business Licensebusiness license requirements by state
- DBA RegistrationDBA / fictitious name registration
Last updated: 2026-03-27. This is general information, not legal advice. Requirements change — always verify with your state's labor department. Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, individual state agency websites.