California Paid Family Leave Information

Employees who pay into California's State Disability Insurance Program can take paid family leave. The state pays partial wages during an eligible worker's leave to care for family members.

Pregnancy Leave

California women get paid leave of up to four months during pregnancy. The state disburses the pay from the disability insurance fund.

Paid Family Leave

Under the Paid Family Leave Act, an employee can take up to six weeks' paid family leave in any 12-month period. California pays the employee during time taken to bond with a new child, or a recently placed adopted child or foster child, or to care for a seriously ill spouse, child or parent.

Covered Employers

Employers with 50 or more employees located within a 75-mile radius are required to allow employees to take paid family leave.

Employee Responsibilities

Employees become eligible for paid family leave after 12 months' cumulative service for the employer, including at least 1,250 hours in the last 12 months. They have to give the employer notice of planned leave stating a reason, the timing and the duration.

Employer Responsibilities

Unless the employer authorizes paid time off, such as paid vacation, it does not have to pay the employee during family leave. Under the law, employers have to reinstate employees when their leave ends.

References

• California Department of Fair Employment and Housing
• A Guide to Benefits and Employment at the California Employment Development Department
• California Unemployment Insurance Code §§ 3300-3304

Resources

• Five Family Leave Laws at the Paid Family Leave California
• Labor Project for Working Families