California increases paid leave for eligible workers

CALIFORNIA – Governor Gavin Newsom announced, January 2, that California has increased paid family leave and disability benefits.

Workers earning less than $63,000 per year are now able to receive up to 90% of their regular wages while on leave.

In addition, workers earning above that threshold will receive 70% of their wages. The benefit enhancement begins with new claims filed on or after January 1, 2025.

“Parents shouldn’t have to choose between caring for their newborn or rushing back to work to make rent,” said Newsom on X formerly known as Twitter.

Parents shouldn’t have to choose between caring for their newborn or rushing back to work to make rent.
Beginning this year, California’s Paid Family Leave program is expanding. pic.twitter.com/OwBdv8r4H2
— Governor Newsom (@CAgovernor) January 2, 2025

Only 27% of workers in the U.S. have access to paid family leave through work

Paid family and medical leave refers to policies that allow workers to receive wage replacement when they take extended time off from work for qualifying reasons – bonding with a new child, recovering from their own serious health condition or caring for a loved one with a serious health condition.

According to recent data from the U.S. Department of Labor, only 27% of civilian workers in the United States have access to paid family leave through their employer.

Most employees rely on unpaid leave options like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to take time off for family reasons.

Strengthening California’s workforce

In California, the benefit increase enacted under Senate Bill 951 applies to up to 52 weeks of disability benefits and up to 8 weeks of paid family leave benefits.

“These investments strengthen California’s workforce and improve the lives of millions of Californians,” said Employment Development Department (EDD) Director Nancy Farias.

To read the full bill visit https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB951