Short answer: California Paid Family Leave (PFL), run by the EDD, pays up to 8 weeks of benefits in a 12-month period to bond with a new child, care for a seriously ill family member or help with a family member's military deployment. According to the EDD, the weekly benefit is about 70% to 90% of wages, depending on income, from $50 up to $1,765 a week. PFL replaces part of your pay but does not protect your job.
PFL at a glance
| Item | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Reasons | Bonding with a new child, caring for a seriously ill family member, military assist | EDD: Paid Family Leave |
| Length | Up to 8 weeks in a 12-month period | EDD |
| Weekly benefit | About 70% to 90% of wages, depending on income | EDD: PFL benefit amounts |
| Minimum / maximum | $50 to $1,765 per week | EDD |
| 90% tier | Highest-quarter earnings of $722.50 to $16,279.90 | EDD (claims beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2026) |
| Eligibility | At least $300 in wages with SDI ("CASDI") withheld in the base period | EDD |
| Job protection | None from PFL itself; FMLA or CFRA may protect your job | EDD |
How your benefit is figured
The EDD uses your highest quarter of earnings in a 12-month base period that ends about 5 to 18 months before your claim starts. For example, the EDD says a claim beginning November 2, 2026 uses a base period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. Use the EDD's online calculator for an estimate. The EDD confirms the actual amount once your claim is approved.
Where insurance fits
- PFL is not disability insurance for your own illness. If you can't work because of your own medical condition or pregnancy, that's State Disability Insurance (SDI). See our SDI vs. private disability insurance guide.
- Higher earners get capped. Above the $1,765 maximum, PFL replaces a smaller share of pay. A private disability insurance policy covers your own illness or injury, not caregiving, so check what each policy actually pays for.
- Keep employer benefits active. Ask HR whether your health, life and disability coverage continue during leave and whether you need to pay premiums directly.
- New baby? It's a good time to review life insurance and beneficiaries.
Checklist
- Confirm your leave reason fits one of the three PFL claim types.
- Gather your claim start date and wage information, then apply through myEDD.
- Ask your employer about job protection under FMLA or CFRA, which is separate from PFL.
- Check that health, life and disability premiums are paid while you're on leave.
Frequently asked questions
How long does California Paid Family Leave last?
Up to 8 weeks in a 12-month period, according to the EDD.
How much does PFL pay in 2026?
About 70% to 90% of wages depending on income, with a minimum of $50 and a maximum of $1,765 per week (EDD).
Does PFL protect my job?
No. PFL pays benefits but does not provide job protection. Laws such as the federal FMLA or the California Family Rights Act may protect your job.
Who is eligible?
Workers who lose wages to bond with a new child, care for a seriously ill family member or support a family member's military deployment, and who earned at least $300 with SDI withheld in the base period.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. Not legal, tax or financial advice, and not a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.