As of next year, the District of Columbia will begin administering Paid Family Leave, which will offer freelancers up to eight weeks of paid leave benefits. The law, which was enacted in February 2017, will go into effect on July 1, 2020.

Paid Family Leave enables sole proprietors, independent contractors, and members of partnerships to take paid time off to bond with a new child or care for an ill family member. But to claim benefits next year, applicants must not miss the September 28 deadline to opt in, and comply with the following:

• The income you earn must have been performed in DC more than 50% of the time.
• You must provide quarterly income reporting, and pay quarterly contributions of 0.62% on your gross self-employed income.

Freelancers who miss the deadline must wait until November and December of 2020, and face a one-year waiting period. But enrollment can be completed through the Department of Employment Services portal.

Freelancers Union is hosting a special SPARK event on September 4 where you can learn about Paid Family benefits and how to enroll. RSVP today or visit DC Family Leave to learn more.