Note that anyone who earns $62,400 or more would receive the maximum payout: $814 per week, or $3,256 for four weeks. (At that threshold, the maximum payout equals 68% of a person’s pay; above that income level, the capped benefit would equal a decreasing share of someone’s earnings.) It’s also more likely that someone in this income group is working for a company that covers paid leave.

People who use the benefit also don’t have to take four consecutive weeks of leave. They can take leave on a pro-rated basis, if caregiving involves regularly missing work.

To be eligible for the benefit, applicants would need to show that they have earned at least $2,000 in the roughly two-year period leading up to the time of the leave. That income could come from any form of paid work, including gig work, part-time jobs, and self-employment.

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