California’s Paid Family Leave (PFL) programme lets workers take time off to care for a loved one, welcome a new child, or support a family member in the military—while still receiving up to $1,681 a week in benefits.
What is paid family leave (PFL)?
Life can throw big changes our way—having a baby, caring for a sick parent, or helping out when a military loved one is deployed. Normally, missing work during these times means missing pay. But in California, workers don’t have to face that financial stress alone.
Paid Family Leave (PFL) is a state program run by the Employment Development Department (EDD) that gives workers part of their paycheck while they’re away from work for family needs. Think of it as a safety net for life’s biggest responsibilities.
Types of family leave you can take
The PFL program covers three main situations:
- Bonding time: For new parents, including mothers, fathers, foster parents, and adoptive parents.
- Caregiving: For workers who need time off to take care of a seriously ill family member.
- Military assistance: For families supporting a loved one serving abroad in the U.S. Armed Forces.
So whether you’re changing diapers, holding your mom’s hand through treatment, or helping a spouse prepare for deployment, PFL has your back.
How much money can you receive?
Here’s the exciting part: California workers approved for PFL can get benefits for up to eight weeks in a 12-month period.
- The minimum weekly payment is $50.
- The maximum weekly payment is $1,681.
Your exact benefit depends on how much money you’ve earned in the past. To find out what you might get, the EDD has a simple online PFL calculator.
One important detail: PFL replaces lost wages, but it does not protect your job. That means your employer isn’t required to keep your position open unless you qualify for other protections like the California Family Rights Act.
Who can apply?
Not everyone qualifies, but many workers in California do. To be eligible, you must:
- Have earned at least $300 in the past 18 months, with State Disability Insurance (SDI) contributions taken out of your paycheck (you’ll see CASDI on your pay stub).
- Be unable to do your usual work.
- Lose wages because you need to bond with a new child, care for a sick loved one, or assist a military family member.
- Be working or looking for work when your family leave begins.
The best part? Your immigration or citizenship status does not affect eligibility.
How to Apply for PFL
You have two main options to apply:
- Online (fastest and recommended):
- Create an account on myEDD.
- Log into SDI Online.
- Submit your claim with required documents like your Social Security number, ID, employer information, and proof of care or military assistance.
- Create an account on myEDD.
- By mail (slower):
- Request or download the form DE 2501F.
- Fill it out with your details.
- Mail it using the pre-addressed envelope provided, or send it to:
State of California, Employment Development Department, PO Box 989315, West Sacramento, CA 95798-9315.
- Request or download the form DE 2501F.
Keep in mind: claims must be filed within 41 days of starting your leave.
