Paid Leave Oregon Bulletin

May 16, 2023   

May spotlight: How Paid Leave Helps Prevent Child Abuse

Child abuse and neglect affects more than one million children every year, according to Prevent Child Abuse America.

Studies show that family friendly workplace resources and policies, like paid time off for new parents, reduce stress and help prevent child abuse.    

In this short video, Nicole Cunningham, executive director of Prevent Child Abuse Oregon, talks about how Paid Leave Oregon will play an important role in preventing child abuse and neglect and protecting children. 

Top 3 Contributions Questions  

1. I am a small employer with less than 25 employees. I thought I did not have to contribute to Paid Leave Oregon. Why do I have to collect and report contributions for each employee?

Regardless of size, all employers with employees working in Oregon are required to withhold and submit their employees’ contributions. Some employers may choose to cover some or all employees’ contributions as an employer-offered benefit. Large employers must also pay the employer portion of contributions.

2. As an employer, how can I use Frances Online to amend my payroll report if I didn’t report my Paid Leave contributions?

To view or amend a payroll report, go to the Home tab of Frances Online and select “View and File Payroll Reports” from the Wages and Contributions section.

Select "View or Amend Payroll Report" for the quarter you wish to view or amend. This will bring up the previously completed report and gives you the option to Print or Amend.   

3. As an employee, what do I do if I think my employer is taking too much out of my paycheck for paid leave contributions?

It is important to notify your employer immediately if you notice any errors. Please contact your employer directly with any questions or concerns. 

If your employer has questions regarding Paid Leave Oregon contributions, they should reach out to the Oregon Employment Department Contributions and Recovery Unit for assistance using the contact information below.

For questions about Contributions:  

Web: State of Oregon: Modernization - Frances Online 
Email: Contributions.Unit@employ.oregon.gov
Call: 503-947-1488 Choose your language, and then press option 2 for Frances Online support.

For questions about Paid Leave Oregon: 

Web: Contact Us (form) 
Email: paidleave@oregon.gov 
Call: 833-854-0166 (toll-free) (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

News and Events:

Senate Bill 31:

On May 8, 2023, the Governor signed Senate Bill 31 which gives the Oregon Employment Department (OED) authority to delay the launch of paid leave benefits if the Paid Leave Oregon trust fund isn’t solvent. Being solvent means having enough money to pay benefits.

SB 31 requires the OED Director to decide by Aug. 11, 2023, if the fund is solvent and able to pay benefits starting Sept. 3, 2023. If the fund seems like it could be short, the bill gives OED the ability to delay benefits until Dec. 3, 2023, or later if needed.

While we did not introduce this bill, we support it because, with major initiatives of this size, it is always a good idea to have a backup plan.

Join us for a focus group on the new claimant portal

We would like your feedback on Frances Online, the computer system for Paid Leave Oregon. We are hosting virtual focus groups on May 18 and 19, 2023. 

Starting August 14, people will use Frances Online to apply for benefits when they are available in September.

We want the new system to be simple to use and understand. It is important that the new system considers a wide range of needs for all Oregonians. Your input will help us build the system that serves you best.

During the focus group, we will show you how to create an account in Frances Online and how to file a Paid Leave Oregon claim. We will then ask for your feedback.

The focus group meetings will last one hour on Zoom. If you are currently receiving unemployment insurance benefits, you can list your focus group participation as one of your job-seeking activities. 

Please register for a focus group to let us know you’re planning to attend. Go to Francesinfo.oregon.gov. Space is limited, so register now!

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information about how to join the meeting.

If you need help during the focus group, including interpretation in a language other than English, please contact us at employment.modernization@employ.oregon.gov at least 48 hours before the event. We hope to see you there! 

Opportunities to join Paid Leave Oregon and the Oregon Employment Department

Are you passionate about providing benefits to others and ensuring businesses, small employers, and employees are treated fairly? Consider joining the Paid Leave Oregon team. Additional Oregon Employment Department job openings are posted in Workday.

Contact Paid Leave Oregon

Form:  Contact Us
Email: PaidLeave@Oregon.gov
Call: 833-854-0166 (toll-free)