These are the changes coming to Seattle paychecks in 2019

As 2018 closes, lots of people in Seattle are looking forward to a pay raise in the new year.

As of January 1, companies with more than 500 workers will have to pay their workers at least $16 an hour. Companies with fewer than 500 employees will have to pay either $15 an hour or $12 an hour, if they contribute at least $3 per hour toward their medical benefits and/or reported tips.

Statewide, the minimum wage will increase to $12 in 2019, before going up to $13.50 in 2020. The federal minimum wage has been $7.25 since 2009.

Another change coming to the state: Employers will have to start collecting premiums for Washington’s new paid family and medical leave program. It's set up so that employees will pay a little less than two-thirds of the premium while employers pay the rest.

Eventually, it will allow workers to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave for family or medical events, including time for taking care of new children or a sick relative.

"Research does show that when people are able to take the time they need to take care of themselves or their loved ones who are ill, it helps them make sure that people can recover faster and then hopefully return to the workforce faster, so it's good for our workforce,” said Carla Reyes, the director of the program.

Workers won't be able to take advantage of the benefit until 2020, because the state needs to build up its coffers and continue a rulemaking process, Reyes said.

This new law applies to nearly all Washington businesses and employees, with some exceptions for small businesses and those that already offer the benefit.