Success Story: Snuggles, Not Stress—Thanks to PFL

My wife and I welcomed our first child Athena into the world in the first week of April 2025. I am so happy that the Paid Family Leave (PFL) program was an option for me because it allowed me to take the time off work that I needed to bond with my baby, help my wife, continue to keep up with household chores and shopping for essentials, and when I was lucky, get some sleep. It was there to make sure I could fulfill my duties as a father and husband without worrying about using my vacation, sick leave, and losing my paycheck.

Every day since Athena has been born has been an amazing experience. I am happy that I have been able to be there for her every day this past month and have had the opportunity to see her grow and develop every single day. Even though I am now returned to work, my wife and I have worked out shifts so that we can both make the time to sleep and spend lots of time with Athena. My amazing in-laws have also come to help us make sure that Athena gets all the care that she needs and that we continue to get the opportunity to rest as well.

I am so excited to get to see Athena continue to develop and grow. Athena has been doing an amazing job with her growth and development and has officially gained 2 pounds in her first month! And all medical visits have been spectacular. Her mother has been doing an amazing job feeding her and healing from childbirth. I am ever grateful and proud of her for being such a wonderful mother and wife.

I highly encourage anyone who is having a child and who qualifies to make use of Paid Family Leave because it is an amazing opportunity, and I don’t know what I would have done without it. Paid Family Leave gives the opportunity to have eight paid weeks with your child and an awesome part is that it can be used within a one-year period and can be broken up as you need it throughout that period. I used four weeks immediately, but have four weeks remaining that are available if I need it!

I recommend that anyone who applies for the program to apply at myedd.edd.ca.gov. It makes managing your claim so easy. You can see all of your claim updates, payment history, and mail from EDD. It is also faster than mailing in your application, and you know there is no mail lost when you apply online! From me and my family, thank you to EDD’s Paid Family Leave!