Improvements to Paid Family Leave and Disability Insurance
Starting January 1, 2025, millions of California workers can receive more money from Paid Family Leave and Disability Insurance benefits so they are able to afford to take leave to bond with a new child or care for their own or a family member’s serious health condition.
FAQ
What’s different about Paid Family Leave and State Disability Insurance in 2025?
Because of a new law called SB 951, starting on January 1, 2025, people on leave from work who apply for Paid Family Leave or State Disability Insurance will receive 70-90% of their regular income, (up from 60-70%), for claims starting in 2025.
Will I get 90% or 70% of my income?
People earning up to 70% of the state’s average weekly wage (aabout $62,000 a year in 2025) will get 90% of their regular income. Anyone earning more than that will receive about 70 to 90% of their income up to a maximum weekly benefit amount. In 2023 and 2024, the maximum amount Californians could receive every week in PFL and SDI benefits was $1,620 per week.
Who qualifies for Paid Family Leave or State Disability Insurance?
You may receive Paid Family Leave if you have (1) paid into the program and (2) you are losing income because you are off work to bond with a new child, care for a seriously ill family member, or are taking steps to deal with a family member’s military deployment. You can receive PFL for a maximum of 8 weeks per year.
You may receive State Disability Insurance if you have (1) paid into the program and (2) you are losing income because you are not able to do your job because of your health. For SDI only, your first week of leave will be unpaid. For people who are pregnant, this usually includes the 4 weeks before your due date and at least 6-8 weeks of recovery after childbirth. You can receive SDI for up to 52 weeks.
Who pays for Paid Family Leave and State Disability Insurance?
Almost all employees who work for private employers, and some public employees, pay into the program. The program is fully funded by worker contributions and all California employees pay the same percentage of their income into the program. To confirm if you pay in, look at your paystub to see if there is a deduction labeled “CA SDI” or something similar. You will need to have paid into the program at some point in the last about 5-18 months.
How do I get Paid Family Leave or State Disability Insurance?
Apply online or via mail to the Employment Development Department (EDD). To receive PFL or SDI income, you must complete this application and, for claims related to your health or caring for sick family, provide medical certification. This is separate from and in addition to any time off request you make to your employer. You can apply starting the first day of your qualifying leave.
