California Paid Family Leave (Comprehensive Guide for 2024)
According to California Paid Family Leave program, workers can get 60-70% of their weekly wage, with a maximum of $1,620 per week for up to 8 weeks. Understanding the timing for filing paid family leave in California and PFL eligibility waiting period is crucial to accessing paid leave benefits promptly.
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UPDATED: Sep 30, 2024
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UPDATED: Sep 30, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right legal decisions.
We strive to help you make confident insurance and legal decisions. Finding trusted and reliable insurance quotes and legal advice should be easy. This doesn’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own.
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California paid family leave offers crucial financial support, providing employees with 60-70% of their wages, up to $1,620 weekly, for up to 8 weeks.
This program, part of the paid family leave act in California, ensures employees can take time off to care for loved ones or bond with a new child without sacrificing their income.
The California Paid Family Leave program, funded by California State Disability Insurance, provides up to 6 weeks of partially paid leave for qualifying events like the birth or adoption of a child or caring for a seriously ill family member.
Eligible employees can take this leave in increments, from a few hours to several weeks, rather than all at once. See how much you could save on coverage by entering your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool above.
- California Paid Family Leave offers 60-70% of wages, up to $1,620 for 8 weeks
- It supports bonding with a new child or caring for a seriously ill family member
- Understanding filing timing and PFL eligibility is crucial for benefits
Understanding Family Leave and Paid Leave in California
Family Leave in California provides essential time off for employees who need to care for family members or themselves during challenging times. One of the most well-known programs is the Paid Family Leave Act in California, which allows eligible workers to receive partial wage replacement during their leave.
This program, known as California Paid Family Leave, has proven to be a valuable resource for families needing financial assistance while balancing caregiving responsibilities. It complements the broader FMLA California and paid leave policies, ensuring that workers have the necessary support without the fear of losing their income.
When considering paid family leave in California, one common question is: Does paid family leave have a waiting period in California? or is there a waiting period for California paid family leave? Fortunately, there is no waiting period for California paid family leave, meaning employees can begin receiving benefits promptly.
California Paid Family Leave program for taking time off to care for loved ones helps alleviate the stress associated with medical or family-related emergencies by providing timely financial aid when it’s needed the most.
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The Seven-day Waiting Period
PFL may be taken within a year of the qualifying event only after a 7-day non-payable waiting period has elapsed. This waiting period need be satisfied one time. For instance, if you go through the 7-day waiting period for a pregnancy disability leave, you don’t have to take it again for PFL.
PFL runs concurrent to leave taken under the California Family Rights Act. If you take California pregnancy disability leave, you may take an additional 6 weeks of PFL to bond with your baby.
See more on California unpaid family leave.
Understanding Paid Family Leave in California
California paid family leave is a state benefit designed to support workers who need time off to care for a loved one or bond with a new child. Unlike other states, paid family leave in California provides partial wage replacement for up to eight weeks. For those needing assistance, the California Paid Family Leave contact number is available for inquiries and guidance.
It’s important to distinguish paid FMLA in California from federal leave policies, as the state offers a more comprehensive program.
Workers considering a paid leave of absence in California should be aware that PFL in California is available to most employees who contribute to the state disability insurance program. For more information about taking time off because you are pregnant or to spend time with your newborn, see California pregnancy disability leave.
Paid Family Leave Benefit Percentage by State| State | Benefit Percentage | Maximum Weekly Benefit | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 60-70% of wages | $1,620 (2024) | Up to 8 weeks |
| New York | 67% of wages | $1,131.08 (2024) | Up to 12 weeks |
| New Jersey | 85% of wages | $1,025 (2024) | Up to 12 weeks |
| Rhode Island | 60% of wages | $1,007 (2024) | Up to 6 weeks |
| Washington | 90% of wages | $1,427 (2024) | Up to 12 weeks (16 weeks with complications) |
| Massachusetts | 80% of wages | $1,129 (2024) | Up to 12 weeks (20 weeks with complications) |
| Oregon | 100% of wages | $1,523 (2024) | Up to 12 weeks |
| Colorado | 90% of wages | $1,100 (2024) | Up to 12 weeks |
The PFL leave in California program does have specific requirements. There is a PFL eligibility waiting period to complete before benefits can be received. Additionally, the timing for filing paid family leave in California is critical, as it must be done within 41 days of the qualifying event. So, who is eligible for paid family leave in California?
Generally, employees who’ve earned at least $300 from which State Disability Insurance deductions were taken are eligible to apply for PFL benefits.
PFL Coverage and Benefits
The PFL program is covered by payroll deductions from employee’s wages, and it applies to all California employers whatever the size of their company. In addition, any worker who pays into State Disability Insurance is eligible, whether they are a U.S. citizen or not.
However, medical certification proving your own or a family member’s illness is required, as is supporting documentation that shows you have a newborn, newly adopted child, or newly placed foster child.
An employee’s earnings are the basis for benefit calculations, not the number of hours worked. Benefits are capped at a weekly maximum and usually constitute approximately 55% of a worker’s wages, although the benefit may be taxable and therefore the actual amount paid will be less than 55%. In 2008, the weekly maximum is $917; this number is slated to rise each year.
The minimum weekly amount of PFL is $50. The amount of benefit you will receive depends on your salary in the highest quarter of the “base period,” which is calculated from wages paid during the 5-17 months period before the claim. Is there a right to accrued vacation time under California law?
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Paid Family Leave Limitations
There are several limitations for PFL. For example, an employer does not have to hold your job or pay for health insurance or other benefits while you are away. In addition, your employer may require you to use up to 2 weeks of paid vacation time before allowing you to take paid leave, although a company cannot require you to use sick leave. You can use paid vacation time to satisfy the 7-day waiting period.
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Workers who are receiving Workers’ Compensation, unemployment or disability insurance are not eligible for PFL. Nor are workers who are unemployed or looking for a job. In addition, if there is another family member available to provide care for a sick relative during the requested leave, then you are not eligible.
Workers must take their PFL concurrently with California unpaid leave under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) or federal family and medical leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). PFL was intended to partially replace wages for up to 6 weeks of unpaid leave taken under CFRA or FMLA.
Curious to learn more? Take a look at our How does California unlawful harassment law differ from federal law?
Filing for Paid Family Leave
To file a PFL claim, obtain a form from any California Employment Development Department (EDD) office, request one by mail (call 1-877-238-4373; En Español 1-877-379-3819), or visit the Employment Development Department website.
If any disputes arise, consider seeking resolution through California small claims court. Submit your claim no earlier than 9 days before leave starts and no later than 49 days from the first day of leave.
Returning to Work After a Paid Leave
The California Family Rights Act and the federal Family and Medical Leave Act stipulate your rights when it comes to returning to your job. Remember, unlike the federal law, California law does not require employers to hold jobs or benefits for workers who opt for PFL.
Seeking Help for a Paid Family Leave
If you are denied PFL , get in touch with the California Employment Development Department immediately. A representative will explain why your application was denied. Denied workers may appeal the decision. Contact the EDD at 1-877-238-4373 (En Español: 1-877-379-3819) or visit the Employment Development Department website for more information.
You may also call a California employment law attorney to arrange for a consultation. Visit AttorneyPages.com. You can find the cheapest insurance coverage tailored to your needs by entering your ZIP code below.
Read more: California Child Support Garnishment Limits, Exemptions and Protections
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you get paid for Paid Family Leave in California?
Employees can receive up to 8 weeks of partial wage replacement benefits under California’s Paid Family Leave program.
Is Paid Family Leave 6 or 8 weeks in California?
Paid Family Leave in California provides 8 weeks of paid benefits, having been extended from the previous 6-week period.
Use our free quote comparison tool below to find the cheapest coverage in your area.
Who qualifies for PFL in California?
Any employee who contributes to the State Disability Insurance (SDI) program and requires leave to bond with a new child or care for a seriously ill family member is eligible for Paid Family Leave.
Looking for extra details? Check out our California hiring checklist for more.
What is the new law for Paid Family Leave in California?
Recent updates to California’s Paid Family Leave law increased the benefit period to 8 weeks and provided additional job protection provisions for smaller employers.
How do I claim Paid Family Leave in California?
To claim Paid Family Leave, you must submit a claim through California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) either online or by mail, providing necessary medical or bonding documents.
Can an employer deny Paid Family Leave in California?
Employers cannot deny Paid Family Leave benefits if the employee is eligible. However, the employer is not obligated to hold the employee’s job unless job protection laws like FMLA or CFRA apply.
How many weeks of PFL do fathers get in California?
Fathers are entitled to up to 8 weeks of Paid Family Leave to bond with their newborn or newly adopted child.
Find out how California’s unlawful harassment law differs from federal law.
When did California get Paid Family Leave?
California was the first state to implement Paid Family Leave in 2004, setting the standard for other states to follow.
How long is maternity leave in California in 2024?
Maternity leave in California in 2024 can include up to 8 weeks of Paid Family Leave benefits, in addition to any other leave protections such as CFRA or Pregnancy Disability Leave.
Can both parents take Paid Family Leave in California?
Yes, both parents can take Paid Family Leave, although the 8 weeks of benefits are available to each parent individually, not shared.
Can you extend Paid Family Leave in California?
Paid Family Leave benefits are capped at 8 weeks, but employees may be eligible for other types of leave if they need more time off.
Ready for more insights? You’ll find them in our “On-Call or Standby Work: Non-Exempt California Employees Must be Paid for Controlled Time”
How long is maternity leave in California?
Maternity leave can vary depending on the type of leave, but under Paid Family Leave, new mothers can receive up to 8 weeks of benefits.
Is California Paid Family Leave 8 or 12 weeks?
Paid Family Leave in California offers 8 weeks of benefits, but other state and federal laws, like CFRA, may provide additional leave time. Want to explore further? Dive into our California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement for additional info.
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Brandon Frady
Licensed Insurance Agent
Brandon Frady has been a licensed insurance agent and insurance office manager since 2018. He has experience in ventures from retail to finance, working positions from cashier to management, but it wasn’t until Brandon started working in the insurance industry that he truly felt at home in his career. In his day-to-day interactions, he aims to live out his business philosophy in how he treats hi...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about legal topics and insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything legal and insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by experts.