21. Who is not eligible for PFML?

First, any employment excluded from unemployment benefits is also excluded from PFML. These exclusions are found in G.L. c 151A § 6:

• work for the United States government
• work for a school, college, or university, by a student who is enrolled and is regularly attending classes
• work for a hospital or a nurses' training school by a student nurse who is regularly attending classes
• work for a foreign government
• work as an insurance agent or real estate broker when paid only by commission
• work distributing newspapers by a minor
• work for a church or organization operated primarily for religious purposes
• work for a state or federally-funded work training program
• work for a rehabilitation facility by individuals with mental or physical disabilities
• work by an incarcerated person
• work for a seasonal camp by a full-time student

Second, municipal employees are excluded, unless the “municipality, district, political subdivision or authority” opts in to PFML benefits for its employees. To date, no local governments have opted in. So, the following employees are excluded:

• public school teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, and custodians
• local public works employees
• city hall or town hall staff

Finally, independent contractors or self-employed individuals are excluded (unless they opt in individually).