What could you be paid?
PFL generally replaces 70% to 90% of qualifying wages. For claims starting in 2026 the weekly maximum is $1,765. EDD uses past earnings, not necessarily your current salary.
Who may qualify?
Generally, at least $300 in base-period wages subject to State Disability Insurance deductions, a qualifying wage loss, and a qualifying bonding event. Check CASDI deductions and any approved employer voluntary plan.
What protects your job?
PFL pays benefits but does not itself protect the job. Check CFRA, FMLA and, for pregnancy disability, California Pregnancy Disability Leave. These have separate employer-size and service requirements.
Recovery leave and bonding
Disability Insurance can cover certified pregnancy disability and recovery; bonding PFL is a separate claim. A medical recovery claim is not the same thing as eight weeks of bonding.
Notice, dates, and deadlines
Bond within the first year of birth, adoption or foster placement. Submit PFL no earlier than the first leave day and generally within 41 days of starting leave. There is no PFL waiting period.
How to apply
Apply through myEDD / SDI Online or use EDD paper forms. A birth parent transitioning from DI receives a bonding form after the final DI payment. Gather wage records and proof of relationship.
Before you choose your dates
Ask for one written timeline showing the source of pay and the protection for each part of your absence. Include prior leave used, any waiting period, employer top-up rules, health-premium payments, and the first scheduled workday after leave. The maximum listed above is not a personal approval.
Your application folder
- Employer contact, work location, hire date, wage records and schedule.
- Proof of birth or placement accepted by the program.
- Medical certification only when the requested leave reason requires it.
- Proposed dates, any split schedule, and the employer’s notice confirmation.
- Submitted forms, receipt numbers, decisions, and appeal deadlines.
After approval, check whether continuing certifications or weekly claims are required. Report work, other payments and date changes accurately. A state payment approval does not automatically update the employer’s absence record.
Official sources & further reading
Source review: October 7, 2026. Rules can change; the administrator makes the final determination.