How long does CA PFL last? Just submitted online application, need advice!
Hey everyone, I just applied for Paid Family Leave and I'm wondering how long it typically lasts? I submitted my application online and now I'm waiting to hear back. Anyone have experience with this? How many weeks of benefits did you get?
23 comments


Chris Elmeda
In California, Paid Family Leave usually provides up to 8 weeks of benefits. But it can vary depending on your situation and the reason for taking leave. Have you checked the EDD website for more info?
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Annabel Kimball
ā¢Thanks for the info! I'll def check out the EDD site. Do you know if the 8 weeks are consecutive or can they be spread out?
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Chris Elmeda
ā¢From what I remember, you can take the leave all at once or spread it out over a 12-month period. But double-check with EDD to be sure!
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Jean Claude
ā¢Just a heads up, I took PFL last year and it was a bit of a hassle getting everything sorted. Make sure you have all your docs in order!
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Charity Cohan
I found a way to actually get someone on the phone at EDD! I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM
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Josef Tearle
ā¢Sounds too good to be true. Is this legit? Has anyone else tried it?
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Charity Cohan
ā¢I was skeptical at first too, but it really worked for me. Saved me hours of frustration!
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Shelby Bauman
ā¢20 bucks to actually talk to a human? might be worth it lol. EDD's phone system is a nightmare š¤”
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Quinn Herbert
8 weeks is the max for PFL, but keep in mind that's the total amount you can take in a 12-month period. So if you need to take leave multiple times in a year, plan accordingly!
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Salim Nasir
Ugh, I'm in the same boat waiting for my PFL to be approved. Its been 2 weeks and still nothing. Anyone know how long the approval process usually takes?
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Hazel Garcia
ā¢It took about 3 weeks for mine to get approved. Hang in there! šŖ
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Salim Nasir
ā¢Thanks for the info! Guess I'll just have to be patient š©
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Laila Fury
Here's a comprehensive breakdown of Paid Family Leave in California: ⢠Duration: Up to 8 weeks within any 12-month period ⢠Eligibility: Must have earned at least $300 in wages that were subject to SDI deductions ⢠Benefit amount: Approximately 60-70% of your highest quarterly earnings from 5-18 months before your claim start date ⢠Application process: Can be done online through SDI Online ⢠Waiting period: There's no waiting period for PFL ⢠Usage: Can be taken all at once or intermittently ⢠Reasons for leave: Bonding with a new child, caring for a seriously ill family member, or participating in a qualifying event due to a family member's military deployment Remember to provide all necessary documentation and keep copies of everything you submit. If you're having trouble getting through to EDD, consider using a call-back service or reaching out to your local assembly member's office for assistance. Hope this helps!
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Annabel Kimball
ā¢Wow, thank you so much for this detailed info! This is super helpful. š
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Geoff Richards
ā¢This should be pinned at the top of the sub tbh. Great info!
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Simon White
Anyone else feel like 8 weeks isnt nearly enough? especially for new parents. other countries get way more time off š¤
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Hugo Kass
ā¢Preach! š We're so behind on this. My cousin in Canada got a whole year!
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Nasira Ibanez
ā¢Agreed, but at least it's something. Better than what we had before.
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Khalil Urso
Pro tip: start your application process early if you can. Like, as soon as you know you'll need it. The bureaucracy can be slow af
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Myles Regis
Does anyone know if you can combine PFL with other types of leave? Like, can I use some vacation time to extend it?
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Brian Downey
ā¢Yep, you can! I used some vacay days to get extra time. Just coordinate with your HR dept.
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Jacinda Yu
PSA: Don't forget to factor in taxes when budgeting for your leave. PFL benefits are taxable income!
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Ethan Moore
Just wanted to add that if you're planning to take PFL intermittently (like a few days here and there), make sure to coordinate closely with your employer's HR department. They'll need to track your usage to ensure you don't exceed the 8-week limit within the 12-month period. Also, some employers have their own policies about how intermittent leave works, so it's worth checking your employee handbook too. Good luck with your application!
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