How to take paid parental leave in California
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The U.S. 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.
Why it matters: California was the first state to enact a paid parental leave program, which studies have shown is crucial for family bonding and improving mental and physical health outcomes.
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: It could be you receive nothing ranging up to being paid for a year 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 benefits.
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.
- And in San Francisco, you might be able to get weekly payment from your employer in addition to the state-provided compensation.
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 six to eight weeks after delivery.
- Disability insurance could be extended if the parent has complications.
What to watch: Pregnant people are now entitled to "reasonable accommodations" like the ability to telework and take time off for health care appointments, thanks to the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.
- And because of the PUMP Act, breastfeeding parents are entitled to break time and a private place to pump that's not the bathroom.
Read more: California's paid parental leave plan lacks equitable access