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California Paid Family Leave (PFL)

California's Paid Family Leave program provides up to 8 weeks of partial wage replacement benefits to workers who need time off to care for a seriously ill family member, bond with a new child, or participate in a qualifying military event. Funded entirely through employee payroll deductions via State Disability Insurance (SDI).

Up to 8 weeks of wage replacement benefits in a 12-month period. Pays approximately 70-90% of wages (depending on income level) up to a maximum of $1,765 per week in 2026. Benefits are calculated based on wages earned 5 to 18 months before the claim start date. Leave can be taken all at once, intermittently, or on a reduced schedule. Note: PFL provides wage replacement only — it does not provide job protection (use CFRA or FMLA for that).

Eligibility

  • Care recipient must have a qualifying disability
  • Relationship: spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, other relative

Questions to ask the program

These are questions to ask the program, not a verdict on your eligibility. Confirm the current rules directly with the program.

  • Does the person receiving care live in California? — Residency is usually the first thing a program checks.
  • Does your relationship to the person — spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, or other relative — count for this program?
  • What counts as a qualifying disability or level of care need, and what documentation shows it?
  • Is there a caregiver-specific department, coordinator, or support line? Ask for it by name. — Many agencies have one that isn’t advertised on the website.
  • What documents do you need from us to start an application?
  • Is there a waitlist right now, and how long is it?

Services

Up to 8 weeks of wage replacement benefits in a 12-month period. Pays approximately 70-90% of wages (depending on income level) up to a maximum of $1,765 per week in 2026. Benefits are calculated based on wages earned 5 to 18 months before the claim start date. Leave can be taken all at once, intermittently, or on a reduced schedule. Note: PFL provides wage replacement only — it does not provide job protection (use CFRA or FMLA for that).

How to apply

  • Complete and sign Part A - Statement of Claimant. Submit Part C of the application, signed by the care recipient or the legal representative. Provide a completed, signed Part D medical certificate from the family member's medical provider.

Use the official program page for application details: official program page.

  • fmla (companion): FMLA provides job protection but no wage replacement; PFL provides wage replacement but no job protection