DC Paid Family Leave — employer payroll contribution and notice: Washington, D.C. restaurant guide
DOES — Office of Paid Family Leave
What it is
Every private employer with workers in DC pays a quarterly payroll tax into the Paid Leave Implementation Fund through the same DOES portal as unemployment insurance, and must post/distribute the Paid Family Leave employee notice.
When a restaurant needs it
From your first DC payroll; wage reports and contributions are due quarterly with UI.
How to apply
Your ESSP unemployment-insurance registration covers Paid Family Leave; report wages and pay the contribution quarterly in ESSP. Download the current notice from the employer toolkit and post it (updated each November; must be posted by the following February).
Documents you’ll need
- ESSP employer account
- Quarterly wage reports
- Posted Paid Family Leave notice
Good to know
The benefit side changed October 1, 2026 (maximum weekly benefit $1,100). Your payroll provider usually handles the contribution, but the posting is on you.
Official source
DC Paid Family Leave: employers · Employer toolkit and notice
Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.