California’s Paid Family Leave Program: Benefits for Caregivers and Parents
California’s paid family leave program protects state employees in times of family emergencies. The family leave act CA obligates employers to provide paid leave when they need time off for family issues. If you are dealing with any family issue that hampers your regular work, you can take leave under this act. Let’s discuss about California’s paid family leave program for your better understanding.
Everything you need to know about California’s Paid Family Leave Program
California paid family leave: Eligibility
The State Disability Insurance Program of the Employment Development Department is responsible for conducting this program and among other states of the USA, California was the first state to pass paid family leave law to benefit the caregivers and parents of California. You need to fulfill certain criteria to avail of this program. Such as:
- This paid family leave law applies when you need to take time off to take care of a seriously ill family member.
- You can not apply for paid family leave for your illness.
- This leave can be taken to bond with a new child.
- You can take the leave to participate in a qualifying event of a family member’s military deployment.
If you are in any of these situations, you may take paid family leave under state law.
How much is paid under the family leave act CA?
There are different types of paid family leave like PFL for new mothers, PFL for new biological fathers, PFL for foster parents, PFL for military family members, PFL for caregivers, etc. PFL is a program of eight weeks of leave. Employees can take time off from work for up to 8 weeks and roughly get 60 to 70 percent of their weekly wages. The calculation will be based on wages earned 5 to 18 months before the claim start date. You can count the daily amount by dividing the weekly amount by seven and calculate the maximum benefit by multiplying the weekly amount by eight.
Can I get fired for a family emergency?
Paid family leave program provides payments to the employees during the leave. Unfortunately, it does not ensure your job security. Your employer does not have any obligation to keep your job during the leave. But you do not need to worry. Other state laws like the Family and Medical Leave Act or California Family Rights Act give job protection to employees in such situations.
Can an employer deny paid family leave in California?
No, employers in California can not refuse the state-given paid family leave. They will have to provide paid family leave benefits to the workers when it is applicable. If you are eligible for this benefit, do not hesitate to ask for leave from your employer.
Final Words
When you apply for family leave, you should follow the procedure correctly to get maximum benefit during your leave. Hopefully, the information about family leave act CA will be beneficial for you and you will be able to attend the family emergency without losing your wages.
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