What is California Paid Family Leave?
California's Paid Family Leave (PFL) is a state-run wage replacement program funded by worker SDI payroll deductions. When you take qualifying leave, EDD pays you a percentage of your wages for up to 8 weeks — without requiring a minimum employer size or minimum hours worked.
PFL is distinct from FMLA and CFRA: those laws give you job protection, while PFL gives you money. Most California workers use all three together — CFRA protects the job, PFL pays the income.
Who Qualifies for PFL?
You qualify if you:
- Paid into SDI (look for "CASDI" on your pay stub)
- Earned at least $300 subject to SDI withholding in your base period
- Are taking leave for a qualifying reason (bonding, care, military)
- Lost wages because of that leave
There is no minimum employer size and no minimum hours worked requirement for PFL — unlike FMLA (50+ employees) or CFRA (5+ employees). Part-time workers, seasonal workers, and workers at very small businesses can all qualify.
Qualifying Reasons for PFL
Birth, adoption, or foster care placement — within the first year of the child joining your family. Both parents can claim PFL independently.
Spouse, domestic partner, child, parent, parent-in-law, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, or "designated person" (AB 1041). The illness must be certified by a healthcare provider.
Qualifying exigency related to a family member's active military duty or call to active duty.
PFL does not guarantee job protection — pair with CFRA for that
How PFL Benefit Is Calculated in 2026
EDD uses your highest-paid quarter in the base period (the 12 months ending 5–18 months before your claim start date).
EDD looks at your 4 base period calendar quarters and selects the one with the highest total wages.
Highest quarter ÷ 13 weeks = AWW. Example: $19,500 ÷ 13 = $1,500/week
AWW ≤ $1,252 → 90% · AWW > $1,252 → 70%. Example: $1,500 × 70% = $1,050/week
No matter how high your salary, the maximum weekly PFL benefit in 2026 is $1,765.
The official EDD formula, step by step
PFL Benefit Examples for 2026
| Annual Salary | Highest Quarter | AWW | Rate | Weekly Benefit | 8-Wk Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35,000 | $8,750 | $673 | 70% | $471/wk | $3,769 |
| $55,000 | $13,750 | $1,058 | 70% | $740/wk | $5,923 |
| $80,000 | $20,000 | $1,538 | 70% | $1,077/wk | $8,615 |
| $100,000 | $25,000 | $1,923 | 70% | $1,346/wk | $10,769 |
| $130,000 | $32,500 | $2,500 | 70% | $1,765/wk ⬆ | $14,120 |
⬆ Benefit capped at 2026 maximum of $1,765/week
Weekly PFL benefit at each salary level (2026)
PFL vs FMLA vs CFRA: Key Differences
| Feature | Federal FMLA | CA CFRA | CA PFL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paid? | No | No | Yes (70–90%) |
| Job Protected? | Yes | Yes | Only w/ FMLA/CFRA |
| Employer Size | 50+ employees | 5+ employees | All employers |
| Max Duration | 12 weeks | 12 weeks | 8 weeks |
| Covers siblings? | No | Yes | Yes |
| Max Benefit | — | — | $1,765/week |
How to Apply for PFL — Step by Step
Bonding: birth certificate, adoption placement letter, or foster care placement docs. Care: healthcare provider certification. Military: deployment orders.
Go to edd.ca.gov → SDI Online → Create account. Takes about 10 minutes.
Submit your PFL claim within 41 days of your first day of leave. File on day 1 if possible. Missing this deadline = permanent forfeiture of benefits.
Most approved claims are paid within 14 days. Direct deposit is the fastest payment method.
2026 PFL Updates You Need to Know
- AB 2123 (effective Jan 1, 2025): Employers can no longer require you to use accrued vacation before collecting PFL benefits.
- AB 1041 (effective Jan 1, 2023): You can take PFL to care for a "designated person" — anyone you consider family, regardless of biological relation.
- Benefit rate: 70% for higher earners (AWW > $1,252), 90% for lower earners (AWW ≤ $1,252). Maximum: $1,765/week.