Any employee who has earned at least $1,000 during the year prior to claiming paid leave may be eligible. Most employees working in Oregon will be covered and are required to participate. Tribal governments, self-employed business owners, and independent contractors may choose to participate by notifying the Paid Leave program. Employers with 25 or more employees are responsible for paying employer contributions to the program, withholding employee contributions, and for protecting the jobs of qualified employees who take leave. Employers with fewer than 25 employees are not required to pay contributions, but must still withhold employee contributions and provide job protections.
Self-employed people can elect coverage, while tribal governments may elect coverage for their employees. When a self-employed person or tribal government elects coverage, they become responsible for paying contributions.