Celebrating 20 years of Paid Family Leave in California! (plus a special offer!)
Why it matters to you when you are having a baby in California!
Happy Monday Expecting Parents in California!
Today, it’s the 20th anniversary of the Paid Family Leave program in California! California pioneered Paid Family Leave (PFL) in the United States, becoming the first state to offer such a program in 2004. Initially, the program provided up to six weeks of partial wage replacement to workers who needed to take time off to care for a seriously ill family member or bond with a new child. This groundbreaking legislation marked a significant step towards supporting working families.
In 2018, California expanded the PFL program, increasing the benefit period from six to eight weeks. Additionally, the benefit amount was raised to ensure that low-income workers received a higher percentage of their wages, making it more accessible for those who need it most.
The program, funded through employee payroll deductions into the California State Disability Insurance (CASDI) program, continues to evolve, reflecting the state’s commitment to supporting families and promoting work-life balance. Only 13 other states have a wage replacement program (California was the first state to implement a program like this!)
If you have CA-SDI as a deduction on your paystub (with at least $300 in wages paid into it by the time you submit a claim) you qualify for not only the SDI program but the PFL program as well!
Here is what the CA-SDI deduction looks like:
Need help figuring out how to navigate and maximize your parental leave in California? I’m offering a special 50% off my California Parental Leave Navigator Package to my subscribers! The package includes the following:
40 module course that breaks down everything from job protection to wage replacement programs in California so you are educated on your rights
45 minute complimentary call where we can map out your parental leave (including when to file!) + 15 min follow up + email support
Includes 2 checklists for filing with the EDD for both expecting parents
Includes sample timeline
Includes FAQ’s, different leave scenarios
Helpful links to EDD sites and external sites for reference
Includes sample templates for your employer
Questions for HR
EDD Contact cheat sheet
I know how daunting planning for all of this can be, so let me take the heavy lifting off your plate!
Feel free to email me with any questions (itsyourleave@gmail.com)
Have a great rest of the week!
Take care!
Brittney O’Brien
Itsyourleave California Parental Leave Consulting