
California Paid Family Leave
Paid Family Leave (PFL) provides benefit payments to people who need to take time off work to:
- Care for a seriously ill family member.
- Bond with a new child.
- Participate in a qualifying event because of a family member’s military deployment.
If eligible, you can receive benefit payments for up to eight weeks. Payments are about 60 to 70 percent of your weekly wages earned 5 to 18 months before your claim start date. You will choose your benefit payment option when you file your claim.
PFL provides benefit payments but not job protection. Your job may be protected by other laws, such as the Family and Medical Leave Act or the California Family Rights Act.
You can apply for PFL online or by mail. We recommend that you apply online.
Adoptive or Foster Parents
For new parents, either through adoption or foster care.
Military Family Members
For those participating in a qualifying event due to a family member’s military deployment to a foreign country.
Physicians and Practitioners
For physicians or practitioners looking for information about certifying claims, claim processing, and more.
Employers
For employers looking for information about PFL, Disability Insurance, voluntary plans, and more.
Self-Employed
For self-employed individuals or independent contractors looking for information about PFL, Disability Insurance, voluntary plans, and more.
Voluntary Plans
For employers and employees looking for information about voluntary plans, including security deposit requirements, online services, and eligibility requirements.
Additional Resources
Can’t find what you are looking for? View these resources for more information:
- PFL FAQs
- PFL Forms and Publications
- State Disability Insurance Tutorials and Videos
- Contact State Disability Insurance
- Overpayments
- Appeals
- Benefits and Resources for Undocumented Workers
Policy makers, program administrators, and stakeholders can view the Overview of California’s Paid Family Leave Program (DE 2530) (PDF). It provides information about the program’s financing structure, eligibility requirements, demographic and program statistics, state operations, and legislative history.