Aug 2, 2024 - News
Planning for parental leave
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The U.S. government offers 12 weeks of job-protected, unpaid family leave for some employees, but it doesn't have a paid federal parental leave policy. That's where state law comes in.
By the numbers: Only about 27% of Americans working in the private sector have access to paid family leave when they welcome a new child, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Women's Bureau.
Meanwhile, most countries guarantee paid maternity leave and paid paternity leave.
Zoom in: There are three main ways to get paid during parental leave, and they can be combined.
1. Through your employer.
- Rules vary: You could receive from nothing up to a year's pay after birth, adoption or foster-care placement.
- Between the lines: Employers often say you must work for the company for a set amount of time before you can use paid leave.
2. Via California's paid leave laws.
- You can receive bonding leave in the state for 60-70% of your weekly pay for up to eight weeks.
3. From short-term disability, if you're a birthing parent.
- California offers four weeks of disability insurance before the expected delivery date (and more if the baby comes late), and an additional 6-8 weeks after delivery.
- Disability insurance could be extended if complications arise.