Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also bring a lot of anxiety. It is natural to worry about taking time off and maintaining your job or financial security. Thankfully, California offers comprehensive maternity leave benefits that may help ease these concerns.
Paid leave options
The Golden State has two paid leave options for expecting mothers:
- Paid Family Leave (PFL): Provides a maximum of eight weeks of paid leave, and you receive between 60% to 70% of your weekly wages. However, you need to use your PFL leave within 12 months of the birth of your baby.
- State Disability Insurance (SDI): Offers up to four weeks of paid leave before birth, six weeks after a standard delivery or eight weeks after a C-section. Similar to PFL, you receive around 60% to 70% of your salary.
The only downside to these paid leave options is the need for job protection.
Unpaid leave options
You may also avail of unpaid leave options to spend more time with your newborn:
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): Provides a maximum of 12 weeks unpaid leave before or after the birth. Take note, FMLA only covers employees who have at least 12 months of service at role.
- California Family Rights Act (CFRA): Gives you at least 12 weeks off to bond with a new child. However, you need at least 1,250 hours of work at your current job within the past year to qualify.
- Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL): Offers up to four months of unpaid disability leave for pregnancy-related conditions. However, PDL benefits only apply if your employer has at least five full-time or part-time employees.
While these leave options may not offer financial assistance, you can rest assured your job will be waiting for you while you spend time with your baby.
Ensuring you get your well-deserved time off
Smart planning can help you maximize your time off. Combining paid and unpaid leaves may allow you to secure several months of time off without worrying about your career and finances.
If your employer refuses to honor your eligible benefits, do not hesitate to advocate for your rights. An experienced legal professional may provide guidance and support to ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.